Kennedy Center dealt fresh blow as major composer cancels world premiere performance

The troubled and financially strapped John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts absorbed another major blow on Tuesday when legendary 89-year-old composer Philip Glass canceled the world premiere performance of his latest composition.

According to a report from the Washington Post, Glass issued a statement that his Symphony No. 15: “Lincoln,” which was slated to be performed in June by the National Symphony Orchestra at the center will not happen.

According to the noted composer of “Appomattox” and "Einstein on the Beach,” the Kennedy Center, which has been taken over by Donald Trump and his allies, does not align with the message of the much-delayed symphony.

“After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” Glass wrote, using the official name that the center had before Trump added his name before Kennedy’s.

“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,” he added.

Glass becomes one of a long line of notable performers and artistic groups that have fled the cultural institution since the takeover, including the Washington National Opera, which severed a 55-year relationship weeks ago.