Recommendations of the Editorial team
Philip Glass has canceled the premiere of his new symphony “Lincoln” at the Kennedy Center. Reason: DThe current values of the institution are in direct contradiction to the message of the work.
Cancellation after political change of course
Philip Glass withdrew the premiere of his Symphony No. 15, “Lincoln,” from the Kennedy Center after U.S. President Donald Trump seized control of the institution. The work, co-commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and the Kennedy Center, was scheduled to have its world premiere in June.
In a letter, Glass declared that the symphony was “a portrait of Abraham Lincoln.” At the same time, he stated: “The values of the Kennedy Center are now in direct conflict with the message of the symphony.”
“Obligation to withdraw”
Glass continued: “I therefore feel obliged to withdraw the premiere of this symphony under the current management of the Kennedy Center.”
In a statement to ROLLING STONE, Kennedy Center spokeswoman Roma Daravi responded sharply: “There is no place for politics in art. Anyone who calls for boycotts for political reasons is making the wrong decision. We have not canceled a single show. Left-wing activists are urging artists to cancel, but audiences want artists to perform and create – not cancel under pressure from political insiders who profit from division.”
Reactions from the National Symphony Orchestra
Jean Davidson, executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, said: “We have great admiration for Philip Glass and were surprised to learn of his decision at the same time as the press.”
The sharpness of Glass’s step gains additional weight from the symphony’s thematic foundation. “Lincoln” was inspired by Lincoln’s famous Lyceum speech of 1838, delivered long before his presidency.
Warning of violence and abuse of power
In the speech, Lincoln warned of the dangers of mob violence. He was referring to several murders and lynchings carried out at the time by pro-slavery mobs. At the same time, he spoke about the threat that such groups – as well as ambitious politicians who wanted to control them – could pose to the government and constitution of the United States.
Glass incorporated passages from this speech into the libretto of “Lincoln,” including the following quote: “The outlaws in spirit, who have regarded government as their deadliest enemy, celebrate the suspension of its operation. There is no wrong that would be a suitable object for redress by mob law. We hope that all dangers can be overcome, but some man possessed by ambition will rise among us. Distinction will be his chief aim, and since there is nothing left to build.” there is, he will boldly dedicate himself to the task of tearing down.”
Growing number of prominent rejections
The cancellation of “Lincoln” makes Philip Glass one of the most prominent figures to cancel appearances or events at the Kennedy Center in recent months. The criticism began at the beginning of last year after Trump dissolved the House committee, replaced it with confidants and appointed himself chairman.
Another wave followed at the end of the year, when the board approved a legally controversial renaming: “The Donald J. Trump and the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.”
Other artists are drawing conclusions
Other cancellations include performances by Renée Flemming, Béla Fleck, folk singer Kristy Lee and a tenth anniversary series of the musical “Hamilton.”
