Philip Glass: Odřeknutá premiéra symfonie kvůli Trumpovi

A growing wave of artistic protest is unfolding at the Kennedy Center, now officially named Trump Kennedy Center, as prominent figures in the performing arts withdraw their work in response to changes in leadership and values. The latest to pull a performance is acclaimed composer Philip Glass, whose new symphony directly challenges the direction of the institution.

A Symphony of Protest

Philip Glass, the 88-year-old composer known for works like Einstein on the Beach and film scores for The Hours and Notes on a Scandal, has cancelled the world premiere of his Symphony No. 15, titled “Lincoln,” at the Trump Kennedy Center. Glass stated on social media that the symphony’s message is “in direct opposition to the values embodied by today’s Kennedy Center.”

Did You Know? Philip Glass received the National Medal of Arts from former President Barack Obama in 2015.

A Pattern of Withdrawals

Glass’s decision follows similar actions by other artists since Donald Trump was appointed chairman of the board last year and began appointing allies to key positions. Banjoist Béla Fleck, jazz vocalist Gregory Porter, and the Washington National Opera – a company with a 50-year performance history at the center – have all cancelled engagements. Most recently, operatic soprano Renée Fleming, a former artistic advisor to the Kennedy Center, also withdrew from scheduled performances.

The Renaming and Its Fallout

The recent renaming of the Kennedy Center to Trump Kennedy Center last month appears to have been a tipping point. The Kennedy family itself has publicly objected to the change, asserting that it diminishes the legacy of John F. Kennedy. This action sparked the most significant wave of cancellations to date.

Expert Insight: The withdrawal of artists like Philip Glass represents a significant statement about the intersection of art and politics. These decisions highlight the importance artists place on aligning their work with institutions that reflect their values, and the potential consequences when those values are perceived to diverge.

What’s Next for the Symphony?

The Symphony No. 15 was originally commissioned by the Kennedy Center and the National Symphony Orchestra, with a planned premiere in 2022 to coincide with the center’s 50th anniversary. Delays pushed the premiere to this June. Glass has not yet announced where or when the symphony will now be performed. It is possible that another venue will be sought, or the premiere may be postponed indefinitely. The National Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Gianandrea Noseda, continues to perform at the center, but the situation could prompt further reevaluation of their relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Philip Glass cancelling his performance?

Philip Glass believes the message of his Symphony No. 15, a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, is at odds with the values he associates with the current leadership of the Trump Kennedy Center.

Who else has cancelled performances at the Kennedy Center?

Béla Fleck, Gregory Porter, Renée Fleming, and the Washington National Opera have all cancelled performances since Donald Trump became chairman of the board.

What was the reaction to the renaming of the Kennedy Center?

The renaming to Trump Kennedy Center prompted strong objections from the Kennedy family, who believe it devalues the legacy of John F. Kennedy, and triggered a new wave of cancellations.

As artistic voices continue to distance themselves from the Trump Kennedy Center, what does this signal about the future role of cultural institutions in a politically charged environment?