Musicians are canceling their US concerts at the Kennedy Center, but what is causing this event?
In an unexpected turn of events, US President Donald Trump has taken over as chairman of the Kennedy Center, the National Center for the Performing Arts, and his leadership has sparked a wave of controversy within the arts community.
The changes made by President Trump have led several artists to cancel their performances at the Kennedy Center. Among those who have withdrawn are Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator of the hit musical "Hamilton", award-winning singer Rhiannon Giddens, and composer Nico Muhly. Their decision to pull out stems from their opposition to the new administration's actions.
The cancellation of the "Tapestry of Pride" event, which aimed to celebrate LGBTQ+ voices in theater and classical music, also saw many artists withdraw due to the ideological shift under Trump's leadership. German violinist Christian Tetzlaff and his quartet have also cancelled a spring tour of the US, citing anger over the political changes in the United States as their reason for cancellation.
Not all artists have chosen to withdraw their performances, however. Pianist and conductor Sir András Schiff has cancelled all of his US performances in 2025 and 2026, including orchestral engagements with the Philadelphia Orchestra and New York Philharmonic. Yet, conductors Marin Alsop and Leif Ove Andsnes are continuing with their performances at the Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center, in its mission, aims to fulfil present world-class art by the artists that define our culture today, deliver powerful arts education opportunities nationwide, and embody the ideals of President Kennedy in all the Center's activities provided throughout the living memorial. However, the recent changes have raised concerns about the Centre's ability to uphold these ideals.
American soprano Renée Fleming has resigned from her position as Artistic Advisor at the Kennedy Centre, expressing hope that the Centre continues to flourish and serve the nation. The United States Marine Band was forced to cancel a concert with students of colour due to President Trump's decision to ban diversity programs within the federal government and military.
Trump's decision to gut the board of the Kennedy Center and install himself as chairman on February 1, 2025, has been met with resistance from some members of the arts community. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote that he has decided to terminate multiple individuals from the Board of Trustees, including the Chairman, who do not share his vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture.
The creation of a National Culture Center in 1958 was made possible through bipartisan legislation, meaning it had support from both major US political parties. However, Trump's takeover has sparked controversy, with many questioning the future of the Kennedy Center under his leadership.
Renée Fleming praised outgoing chairman David Rubenstein's leadership and expressed hope that the Kennedy Center continues to flourish and serve the nation. Marin Alsop stated that it's important to remember and celebrate the importance of art in our lives during these times. The Gay Men's Chorus of Washington D.C. will perform "A Peacock Among Pigeons" during the International Choral Festival as part of World Pride 2025, despite the ongoing controversy.
As the situation continues to unfold, the arts community watches with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that upholds the Kennedy Center's mission and the ideals of President Kennedy.
The artists' withdrawal from performances at the Kennedy Center, due to opposition to the new administration's actions, includes Lin-Manuel Miranda, Rhiannon Giddens, and Nico Muhly.
The cancellation of the "Tapestry of Pride" event, aimed at celebrating LGBTQ+ voices, saw many artists withdraw due to Trump's leadership.
Some artists, like Marin Alsop and Leif Ove Andsnes, have chosen to continue with their performances at the Kennedy Center.
The future of the Kennedy Center is a subject of controversy, with many questioning its ability to uphold its mission and ideals under Trump's leadership.
