Kennedy Center
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Three-time Oscar-nominated composer and Kennedy Center honoree Philip Glass has canceled a planned Abraham Lincoln-inspired performance at the Kennedy Center, citing a "direct conflict" with President Donald Trump's leadership at the historic venue.
In a short statement shared Tuesday to social media, Glass, 88, announced that he would no longer world-premiere his new symphony Lincoln at the Washington performing arts center.
"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 on X, using the full name of the JFK memorial venue that Trump has attempted to change to bear his own in recent months.
Glass, nominated by the Academy for scoring Notes on a Scandal, The Hours, and Kundun, continued, "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."
https://ew.com/philip-glass-cancels-kennedy-center-symphony-donald-trump-conflict-11893471
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Not even one Scaramucci's worth.
In a Jan. 16 news release, the Kennedy Center announced that Kevin Couch would be its new senior vice president of artistic programming.
On Jan. 22, the center posted the announcement on X.
Not a week later, Couch resigned.
Couch confirmed his resignation Wednesday but declined to comment further.
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Guess this is one way to avoid the embarrassment of cancellations.
President Trump said Sunday he will move to close Washington's Kennedy Center performing arts center for two years starting in July for construction, his latest move to upturn the storied venue since returning to the White House.
https://www.npr.org/2026/02/01/nx-s1-5695832/kennedy-center-renovations-trump
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Behind the scenes. More chaos.
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@wtg said in Kennedy Center:
Don't forget the Arc de Trump. Or the Institute of Peace.
Is the Arc de Trump something he wants to build or something he wants to put his name on?
I can't see him renaming Washington Square Park, Trump Square Park, or the Washington Arch, Trump Arch. This probably wouldn't be grand enough for him.
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Behind the scenes. More chaos.
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Kennedy Center exodus continues as National Symphony director Jean Davidson exits
Davidson said she found it difficult to remain, ‘given the external forces that are at work that are just so far beyond my control’https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/mar/06/kennedy-center-national-symphony-director-exits
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