Philip Glass, the famous minimalist composer, has pulled the premiere of a new work at the Trump-Kennedy Center in protest of President Trump.
I am disappointed, but not surprised, by this news. As an industry, the arts are as woke as higher education, perhaps even more. I’m also torn, because I am a longtime fan of Glass and have even met him twice, both times at live performances.
His Songs From the Trilogy CD has been played countless times in my home, along with recordings of his best-known opera, Einstein on the Beach.
NBC News reports:
Composer Philip Glass withdraws ‘Lincoln’ symphony from the Kennedy CenterComposer Philip Glass announced Tuesday that he is withdrawing his symphony from the Kennedy Center, pointing to the arts center’s values and leadership.”After thoughtful consideration, I have decided to withdraw my Symphony No. 15 ‘Lincoln’ from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts,” Glass announced in a statement posted to X.”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,” he continued. “Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership.”Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi said in a statement, “We have no place for politics in the arts, and those calling for boycotts based on politics are making the wrong decision.””We have not cancelled a single show,” Daravi continued. “Leftist activists are pushing artists to cancel but the public wants artists to perform and create — not cancel under pressure from political insiders that benefit from creating division.”Jean Davidson, the executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, said in a statement that “we have great admiration for Philip Glass and were surprised to learn about his decision at the same time as the press.”
This is the statement Glass released on Twitter/X:
Here are some reactions:
There are plenty of comments on Twitter/X from people saying that this is actually a blessing because they can’t stand Glass’s work. It is certainly an unmistakable sound. Most people know within moments whether or not they like it.
I’ll give you an example. This is from a series of dance pieces he composed. You’ll probably know within seconds if you’re entranced or repelled by it.
This is a piece from Einstein on the Beach. Note that this is not electronic music. It is being played on actual instruments.
I will probably continue to listen to his music, but as I said, I am disappointed.
Featured image via YouTube.
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