UPDATE: Renowned composer Stephen Schwartz confirms he will not perform at the Kennedy Center following the board’s controversial decision to rename the venue after Donald Trump. This significant move marks a growing wave of artist withdrawals from Washington’s premier performing arts center.
In a strong statement, Schwartz expressed, “The Kennedy Center was founded to be an apolitical home for artists of all nationalities and all ideologies. It is no longer apolitical, and appearing there has become an ideological statement.” His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among artists reacting to the recent political shifts at the venue.
Earlier today, the Kennedy Center’s website listed Schwartz for a gala with the Washington National Opera scheduled for May 2025, but that information was swiftly removed. Richard Grenell, president of the center’s board, responded to the cancellation by denying any agreement with Schwartz, terming reports of his withdrawal as “totally bogus.” Grenell stated, “He was never signed and I’ve never had a single conversation on him since arriving.”
A spokesperson for Schwartz revealed that there had been discussions about his potential participation in the gala, but communication ceased after February 2025. “Having not heard anything further, he assumed—incorrectly—that the event was no longer moving forward,” said Michael Cole, Schwartz’s representative.
This incident follows a series of artist cancellations since Trump appointed loyalists to the Kennedy Center’s board last year, leading to job cuts and programming changes. The recent vote to rename the center to “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts” has drawn sharp criticism and further withdrawals from performers.
Legal experts have raised questions regarding the board’s authority to implement such a name change, with some artists facing threats of legal action from the Kennedy Center for their cancellations. The implications of this move are profound, potentially reshaping the cultural landscape of Washington D.C.
The Kennedy Center, which opened in 1971 as a living memorial to President John F. Kennedy, has long been a symbol of artistic expression. Schwartz attended its grand opening and has contributed significantly to its artistic legacy.
As the fallout continues, attention turns to how the Kennedy Center will navigate this turbulent period and what it means for future performances. Artists and audiences alike are watching closely as this story develops, with many calling for a return to an inclusive and politically neutral space for the arts.
Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves.
