Philip Glass Cancels Kennedy Center ‘Lincoln’ Premiere in Protest

Philip Glass has pulled the premiere of his new symphony based on Abraham Lincoln from the Kennedy Center saying the institution’s “values” are no longer aligned with the message of the piece since President Donald Trump’s takeover.

Glass’ Symphony No. 15, “Lincoln,” jointly commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and Kennedy Center, was scheduled to have its world premiere at the venue in June. In a letter announcing his decision, Glass described the symphony as “a portrait of Abraham Lincoln,” adding that “the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.” 

The composer continued: “Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”

A rep for the Kennedy Center did not immediately return Rolling Stone‘s request for comment. 

Adding to the pointedness of Glass’ decision, the new symphony was specifically inspired by Lincoln’s Lyceum address, delivered in 1838, well before he became president. In the speech, Lincoln warned about the dangers of mob violence, citing several recent murders and lynchings carried out by pro-slavery mobs; he also addressed the threat these mobs — and the aspiring politicians who aimed to control them — could pose to the U.S. government and the Constitution. 

Glass included portions from the Lyceum address in the libretto for “Lincoln,” including the following quote: “The lawless in spirit, having regarded Government as their deadliest bane, make a jubilee of the suspension of its operation. There is no grievance that is a fit object of redress by mob law. We hope all dangers may be overcome, but some man possessed of ambition will spring up among us. Distinction will be his paramount object, and nothing left to be done in the way of building up, he would set boldly to the task of pulling down.”

The “Lincoln” cancellation makes Glass one of the most prominent figures to call off a performance or event there in recent months. The backlash began early last year after Trump gutted the Kennedy Center’s board, remade it with cronies, and installed himself as chairman. But another wave hit late last year after the board voted on a legally dubious name change to make it, “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” Other cancellations include performances by Renée Flemming, Béla Fleck, folk singer Kristy Lee, and a 10th anniversary run of Hamilton.