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

Published January 27, 2026 1:32pm ET



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. 

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