The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has experienced a series of artist withdrawals and the departure of the Washington National Opera from its residency. These developments follow recent administrative changes at the institution, including the appointment of new board leadership and a board vote in December to add President Donald Trump's name to the institution, a change that requires Congressional approval. Artists and groups have cited various reasons for their cancellations, including concerns about the political climate at the venue, perceived misalignment with institutional values, and new business policies.
BĂ©la Fleck's Withdrawal
Grammy-winning banjoist BĂ©la Fleck canceled three scheduled performances with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) in mid-February. In a social media statement, Fleck stated that performing at the Kennedy Center "has become charged and political," asserting that the institution's focus should be on music. He also expressed an intention to collaborate with the NSO in the future.
Richard Grenell, a Kennedy Center official, posted on X that Fleck "just made it political and caved to the woke mob." Fleck responded via email, stating, "I didn't make it political, it already wasâ and there was no mob pressuring me. Music should be about expression, creativity and inclusivity. This current dialogue doesn't seem to be about any of those things."
Broader Artist Withdrawals
Fleck's cancellation is among multiple withdrawals by artists and groups from scheduled Kennedy Center appearances. These include:
- Sonia De Los Santos: The Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter canceled two concerts and a "creative conversation" scheduled for February 7. De Los Santos stated on Instagram that as a Mexican American artist, she did "not feel that the current climate at this beloved venue represents a welcoming space for myself, my band, or our audience." Kennedy Center spokesperson Roma Daravi responded that she found the statement "highly offensive," adding, "Refusing to engage with an institution open to everyone is, in fact, a step towards discrimination."
- Stephen Schwartz: The musical theater composer withdrew from plans to host a May gala fundraiser for the Washington National Opera. He stated that appearing at the venue had become an "ideological statement." Grenell stated Schwartz was never officially signed.
- Rhiannon Giddens: The musician and composer canceled her appearance, citing "programming changes forced on the institution," and subsequently transferred her concert to another venue.
- The Cookers: The jazz septet withdrew from scheduled New Year's Eve concerts, expressing a desire for a space that allows for the "full presence of the music and everyone in it."
- Chuck Redd: The jazz drummer and vibraphonist canceled his annual Christmas Eve show. The Kennedy Center announced its intent to file a $1 million lawsuit against Redd following this cancellation. Grenell condemned Redd's action.
- Hamilton: A touring production of the musical Hamilton canceled performances approximately a year ago. Producer Jeffrey Seller cited opposition to leadership changes and concerns about contract reliability. Grenell characterized this as a "publicity stunt."
- Issa Rae: The actor canceled her performance, citing an "infringement on the values" of the institution.
- Doug Varone and Dancers: Choreographer Doug Varone withdrew his company's performance, citing the institutional renaming and a perceived decline in artistry and staff layoffs. The company subsequently launched a crowdfunding campaign.
- Magpie, Kristy Lee, Low Cut Connie, and BaluÌn: These musical acts also canceled their engagements, with statements citing reasons such as aligning with a boycott, "political branding," and perceived misalignment with their values concerning artistic freedom, safety, integrity, and justice.
- U.S. Marine Band: The band withdrew from the Equity Arc Wind Symphony event. Composer Kevin Charoensri stated that the program, which focused on equity and diversity, was no longer supported at the federal level under the current administration, leading to the cancellation.
- Asian AF: May shows for the variety show Asian AF were initially listed as canceled on the Kennedy Center website before being removed. A Kennedy Center spokesperson cited a "scheduling conflict," while a representative for the group did not immediately comment.
Administrative Changes and Renaming Initiative
These cancellations have occurred following a series of administrative and curatorial changes at the Kennedy Center. During his presidency, Donald Trump removed former president Deborah Rutter and previous board chair David Rubenstein, along with board members appointed by President Joe Biden. He subsequently appointed a new board, which included Usha Vance, Susie Wiles, and Laura Ingraham. Trump was named chair of the Kennedy Center in February 2025.
In December, the board voted to add President Trump's name to the institution. This change requires official renaming by Congress. Democratic Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, an ex officio board member, has filed a lawsuit challenging the proposed renaming. Richard Grenell stated that "The Trump Kennedy Center believes all people are welcome" and expressed a preference for performers who are "not political."
Washington National Opera Departs Kennedy Center
The Washington National Opera (WNO) has announced its departure from the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, its home since 1971. WNO attributed this decision to new policies that it stated strain its financial model. The opera company indicated that the Kennedy Center's revised business model, which mandates full funding for productions in advance, conflicts with WNO's typical funding structure. This structure relies on a mix of ticket sales, grants, and donations that cannot always be secured years ahead. WNO also stated the new model does not support its artistic mission, which balances popular works with more experimental operas. Artistic director Francesca Zambello expressed regret regarding the departure but affirmed a commitment to the opera's mission and artistic vision for future performances in new venues. WNO subsequently launched an independent website.
The Kennedy Center confirmed the separation, describing the relationship with WNO as "financially challenging." The center stated that ending the exclusive partnership would provide flexibility and funds to host operas from various international and national companies. Richard Grenell affirmed on social media that the Kennedy Center initiated the decision to sever ties, noting that an exclusive relationship had been expensive and limited choices.