Composer Philip Glass Pulls Symphony From Kennedy Center

Glass says the venue's values clash with the Lincoln-themed work.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:39pm

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Renowned composer Philip Glass has decided to pull the planned world premiere of his new Symphony No. 15, "Lincoln," from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Glass stated that "the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony," citing the venue's recent changes under the Trump administration, including the proposed addition of the president's name to the building.

Why it matters

The decision by the acclaimed composer to withdraw his Lincoln-themed symphony from the prestigious Kennedy Center highlights the ongoing tensions and political divisions surrounding the arts institution under the current administration's influence.

The details

Glass's Symphony No. 15, "Lincoln," was originally scheduled to have its world premiere at the Kennedy Center. However, the 88-year-old composer has now decided to pull the work from the venue, stating that the center's current values clash with the message of the Lincoln-themed symphony.

  • The world premiere of Glass's Symphony No. 15, "Lincoln," was originally scheduled at the Kennedy Center.

The players

Philip Glass

An 88-year-old renowned American composer who has decided to pull his new Lincoln-themed symphony from the Kennedy Center.

Kennedy Center

A prestigious arts institution in Washington, D.C. that has faced changes under the Trump administration, including a proposed name change to include the president's name.

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What they’re saying

“The values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.”

— Philip Glass, Composer (Washington Post)

The takeaway

This decision by the acclaimed composer highlights the ongoing tensions and political divisions surrounding the Kennedy Center and its role in the arts community under the current administration's influence.