Prize-winning composer Philip Glass has announced the cancellation of the world premiere of his Symphony No.15, titled "Lincoln," at the Kennedy Center.This decision marks a significant stance against the center's current leadership, which Glass believes is misaligned with the values his symphony represents.
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yahoo.comrollingstone.comOriginally scheduled for performances on June 12 and June 13 under the baton of Grammy-winning conductor Karen Kamensek, Glass described his symphony as "a portrait of Abraham Lincoln." He emphasized that the values of the Kennedy Center today are "in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony." As a result, he stated, "I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.".
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mynorthwest.comnews4jax.comThe Kennedy Center's response came from its vice president of public relations, Roma Daravi, who expressed disappointment over the cancellation.Daravi asserted, "We have no place for politics in the arts, and those calling for boycotts based on politics are making the wrong decision." She further claimed that the center has not canceled any shows and accused "leftist activists" of pressuring artists to withdraw from performances.
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yahoo.comrollingstone.comGlass's decision to cancel is part of a broader trend, where various artists, including renowned figures like Renée Fleming and Béla Fleck, have withdrawn from scheduled performances at the Kennedy Center.This movement has gained traction following President Donald Trump's controversial restructuring of the center's board of trustees, which some critics argue has politicized the institution.
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mynorthwest.comchicagotribune.comThe backdrop of Glass's symphony is particularly poignant.The work is inspired by Abraham Lincoln's 1838 Lyceum Address, in which the then-young politician warned against mob violence and its potential threats to democracy.This historical context highlights the symphony's themes of governance and the rule of law, which Glass feels are compromised under the current leadership at the Kennedy Center.
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rollingstone.comchicagotribune.comAs the political landscape continues to influence the arts, Glass's cancellation underscores a critical dialogue about the intersection of culture and politics.His move not only reflects his personal convictions but also resonates with a growing number of artists voicing their dissent against perceived political encroachments in artistic spaces.
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news4jax.comrollingstone.comDespite the upheaval, the Kennedy Center remains steadfast in its mission.Daravi noted that public sentiment favors artistic expression over cancellations, suggesting that the center's leadership believes artists should not bow to political pressures.
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mynorthwest.comrollingstone.comThe cancellation of "Lincoln" positions Glass as a prominent figure in the ongoing discourse around artistic integrity and political influence in the arts.As he turns 89, his legacy as a composer and advocate for the arts continues to evolve, reflecting the tumultuous political climate of the times.
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yahoo.comnews4jax.comIn conclusion, Philip Glass's decision to withdraw his symphony from the Kennedy Center serves as a notable example of how artists are navigating their roles amidst political challenges.The implications of such actions extend beyond individual performances, potentially influencing how institutions and artists interact in an increasingly polarized environment.
