Philip Glass Cancels New Symphony Premiere at Kennedy Center

Composer Philip Glass has canceled the premiere of his new symphony, “Symphony No. 15,” at the Kennedy Center, criticizing its new leadership under President Trump’s appointees and the center’s proposed name change to Trump-Kennedy Center. Glass stated that the center’s values conflict with the symphony’s message, which honors Abraham Lincoln. The cancellation follows a trend of artists withdrawing from the venue amid political tensions, including the musical “Hamilton.” The center’s leadership insists that politics should not influence the arts and that they have not canceled any shows.

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