Many artists and musicians have canceled their concerts
The situation changed after the Performing Arts Center was renamed in honor of Donald Trump. As a result, many performers decided to cancel their scheduled appearances, as reported by the Kazinform agency citing NBC.
The Washington National Opera, which has performed at the Kennedy Center for many years, announced its intention to leave this venue.
In an official statement, the troupe said: “In the interest of financial prudence and maintaining budget balance, the Washington National Opera will shorten its spring season and move its performances to new venues. This decision has been made to ensure better conditions for the further development of our opera company.” The opera plans to announce new locations for its performances soon.
Since the opening of the Kennedy Center in 1971, artists have performed on its stage. The statement emphasizes that “the collaboration was not intended to be permanent.”
Donald Trump previously announced via his platform Truth Social the dismissal of board members, including the chairperson, who do not share his vision of a new golden age of art and culture. In February, the new board elected Trump as its chairperson, and last month the name of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts was changed to the “Trump-Kennedy Center.”
Following the changes, well-known musicians such as Bela Fleck canceled their performances at the center. The composer of the musical "Wicked," Stephen Schwartz, also declined to hold gala concerts, noting that his appearance there had become “an ideological statement.”
Members of the Kennedy family also protested against the renaming. Former Congressman Joseph Kennedy III noted on social media: “The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to the president, and by federal law, it is named in his honor. It should not be renamed, just as the Lincoln Memorial cannot be renamed.”
It was previously reported that Trump may name a new ballroom in the White House after himself.
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