In a dramatic and principled move that has reverberated across the classical music world, legendary American composer Philip Glass has announced that he is withdrawing the world premiere of his Symphony No. 15 “Lincoln” from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts later this year.
Glass, now 88, explained in a statement posted on social media that the work, a musical portrait and reflection on the life and values of President Abraham Lincoln, cannot be presented at an institution whose current leadership “holds values in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.”
This unprecedented withdrawal is not just a scheduling change, it’s an artistic protest. It comes amid deepening controversy around the Kennedy Center’s governance, including the recent takeover of its board and branding shifts under U.S. President Donald Trump’s influence, moves that have sparked widespread backlash from artists and the broader arts community.
In his announcement, Philip Glass was unequivocal about the values at stake, writing that,
“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’s statement underscores that his decision was driven not by artistic indifference, but by a conviction that the work’s philosophical core must be presented in a context that honors its intentions rather than undermines them.
More details about the symphony and the announecement can be found on Philip Glass official website.
What Symphony No. 15 “Lincoln” Is About
Glass’s Symphony No. 15, subtitled “Lincoln,” is a bold orchestral work that draws from the life, speeches, and ethos of one of America’s most iconic and consequential presidents. Originally co-commissioned by the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra and scheduled for world premiere performances in June, the piece features musical segments entwined with texts reflecting Lincoln’s key speeches and legacy.
The symphony was conceived not as a simple biographical portrait but as a philosophical engagement with Lincoln’s ideals, unity, moral courage, and the art of leadership in times of division, resonant themes for our own moment. Its musical language blends Glass’s signature repetitive structures with evocative orchestral color, framing Lincoln not as a museum piece but as a voice in ongoing cultural conversation.
A Sign of the Times in the Arts
Glass’s decision aligns him with a growing list of artists and cultural figures who have publicly objected to developments at the Kennedy Center, notably the renovations in governance, board composition, and efforts to attach political branding to an institution long seen as a national cultural forum.
Stay tuned for updates on where and how Symphony No. 15 “Lincoln” may find its world premiere in a setting more aligned with its message.
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