Story perspectives

Philip Glass Withdraws Symphony Amid Kennedy Center Controversy

1/30/2026

Summary

Story summary

Philip Glass, the composer, has withdrawn Symphony No. 15, "Lincoln," from the Kennedy Center due to a conflict between the center's values and the symphony's message.
The move follows a broader trend of artists distancing themselves from the Kennedy Center since U.S. President Donald Trump began his administration.
Notable withdrawals include Issa Rae and Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton."
The Kennedy Center responded that politics should not influence the arts.

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Story summary

Philip Glass, the composer, has withdrawn Symphony No. 15, "Lincoln," from the Kennedy Center due to a conflict between the center's values and the symphony's message.
The move follows a broader trend of artists distancing themselves from the Kennedy Center since U.S. President Donald Trump began his administration.
Notable withdrawals include Issa Rae and Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton."
The Kennedy Center responded that politics should not influence the arts.