Philip Glass has canceled the planned world premiere of his new symphony at the Kennedy Center, withdrawing Symphony No. 15: “Lincoln” from the Washington venue’s June lineup. The celebrated composer, known for minimalist works and acclaimed film scores, said he made the decision after deciding that the current leadership and direction of the Kennedy Center were in “direct conflict” with the message of the piece. The premiere was set to be performed by the National Symphony Orchestra and had been highly anticipated as a musical portrait of Abraham Lincoln. Glass’s announcement comes amid a series of high-profile artists withdrawing from performances at the center this year, a move that has drawn attention across the arts world.
“Symphony No. 15 is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony,” Glass said in a statement released Tuesday by his publicist. “Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”
