Philip Glass Withdraws 'Lincoln' Symphony Premiere From Kennedy Center

Acclaimed composer cites conflict between the venue's values and the symphony's message

Jan. 27, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Renowned composer Philip Glass has withdrawn the upcoming world premiere of his Symphony No. 15: 'Lincoln' from the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Glass stated that the 'values of the Kennedy Center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' and that he feels 'an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership'.

Why it matters

Glass's decision to withdraw the premiere is the latest in a series of high-profile artists and performers pulling out of previously scheduled events at the Kennedy Center, following the addition of former President Donald Trump's name to the center's facade. This reflects the ongoing politicization of the historically nonpartisan venue and the challenges it faces in maintaining its role as a celebration of the arts.

The details

Glass, who has earned four Grammy nominations and three Academy Award nods over his five-decade career, was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019. Symphony No. 15: 'Lincoln' was co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra, facing years of delays before becoming a centerpiece of the Center's '250 Years of Us' programming. However, Glass stated that the 'values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony', leading him to withdraw the premiere.

  • The world premiere of Philip Glass's Symphony No. 15: 'Lincoln' was scheduled for June 2026 at the Kennedy Center.

The players

Philip Glass

An acclaimed composer who has been instrumental in shaping the past half century of classical music, earning four Grammy nominations and three Academy Award nods over his five-decade career. He was awarded the Kennedy Center Honors in 2019.

Kennedy Center

A performing arts center in Washington, D.C. that has historically been a nonpartisan venue celebrating the arts, but has faced challenges in maintaining this role due to the politicization of the institution, including the addition of former President Donald Trump's name to the center's facade.

National Symphony Orchestra

The orchestra that was set to play the world premiere of Glass's Symphony No. 15: 'Lincoln' at the Kennedy Center.

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What they’re saying

“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 'Lincoln' from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. 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. Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”

— Philip Glass, Composer (The Washington Post)

The takeaway

Glass's withdrawal of the 'Lincoln' symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center reflects the ongoing challenges the venue faces in maintaining its role as a nonpartisan celebration of the arts, as it grapples with the politicization of the institution and the impact on its programming and relationships with artists.