Composer cancels Kennedy Center performance of ‘Lincoln’ symphony over ‘direct conflict’ of values

Renowned American composer Philip Glass has abruptly pulled the scheduled premiere of his newest work from the Kennedy Center. 

Glass announced on Tuesday he pulled the world premiere of his newest work, “Lincoln,” because of an irreconcilable clash between his artistic message and the direction of the institution’s leadership. 

“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,” Glass said. “Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”

Glass framed his withdrawal as a matter of principle, not partisanship. 

The piece, co-commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and the Kennedy Center, was slated for performances on June 12