Composer refuses Kennedy Center appearance after name change

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A Major Artist Refuses to Appear at the Kennedy Center

Stephen Schwartz, the acclaimed composer of “Wicked,” has made a bold statement by refusing to perform at the Kennedy Center after its board decided to attach President Donald Trump’s name to the venue. This decision marks another significant moment in the ongoing debate over the political influence on one of Washington’s most iconic cultural institutions.

In a public statement, Schwartz emphasized that the Kennedy Center was originally established as an apolitical space for artists from all backgrounds and ideologies. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “It is no longer apolitical, and appearing there has become an ideological statement.” As long as this situation persists, he will not be part of any events held at the center.

The Kennedy Center's website previously listed Schwartz as participating in a gala with the Washington National Opera in May, including a ticket purchase link. However, this information was removed from the site on Friday afternoon, sparking further discussion about the event's status.

Despite the initial listing, Richard Grenell, the president of the center’s board, denied any prior agreement with Schwartz. In a post on X, Grenell claimed, “He was never signed and I’ve never had a single conversation on him since arriving.” He also pointed out that Schwartz had mentioned in February that he hadn’t heard anything about the event.

A spokesperson for Schwartz, Michael Cole, clarified that the composer and a representative from the Washington National Opera had been in contact regarding his potential participation in the May gala. They last spoke in February 2025, and since then, Schwartz assumed the event was no longer proceeding. It wasn’t until Thursday night that he learned the event was still scheduled.

The Kennedy Center’s Evolution

The Kennedy Center, which opened in 1971 and was designated by Congress as a living memorial to the assassinated President John F. Kennedy, has seen a significant shift in leadership. Since Trump replaced the existing board with loyalists, several artists have canceled their appearances. This change has led to staff reductions and a reevaluation of programming.

The controversy escalated when the new board voted to rename the center “The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.” This decision prompted more artists to withdraw from scheduled performances.

One such group is the New York City-based dance company Doug Varone and Dancers. Their director, Doug Varone, appeared on “Erin Burnett OutFront” and stated that the decision to cancel was unanimous, despite the financial impact. He noted, “Everyone in our organization from our board to our dancers to our staff all supported this decision.”

Legal and Political Implications

The move to rename the center raised legal concerns about the board's authority to make such a change. Experts have indicated that it remains unclear whether anyone would have the legal standing to challenge the renaming. This uncertainty has led to threats of legal action from the Kennedy Center against some artists who have withdrawn.

As the situation continues to unfold, the Kennedy Center faces a critical juncture in its history. The decisions made by its board and the reactions from the artistic community highlight the complex interplay between politics and culture in the United States. The future of the center and its role as a cultural hub remain uncertain, with many artists and supporters watching closely.