Kennedy Center cancels Gay Men’s Chorus concert

The John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts cancelled “Peacock in a Dove: Celebrating 50 Years of Pride.”

In a statement to the Washington Blade, Jean Davidson, executive director of the National Symphony Orchestra, said, “Pressing the peacock in pigeons due to financial and scheduling factors prior to leadership transition at the Kennedy Center.” “We have decided to do so.”

“We chose to replace it with another appropriate program for participation in world pride, the Wizard of Oz,” she said. “Modifications to the program are a general practice. We were unable to announce the exchange program until we secured the right to present it, but for transparency, we also decided to prevent ticket sales. has been removed from the website.”

The decision comes more than a week after President Donald Trump set up himself as chairman of the iconic institution and chose former gay diplomat Rick Grenell to serve as interim executive director.

The Chorus issued a statement that the group was “deeply disappointed” to learn to perform a concert with the National Symphony Orchestra. “We believe in the power of education and uplifting, love, understanding and music to nurture community and we regret that this opportunity has been taken away,” they said.

The organization added, “We have pledged to continue to search for spaces where we can hear our voices, stories and music,” and said, “We have created artistic expressions that reflect the depth and diversity of our communities and nations.” We will continue to defend it” and “We will continue to defend “We will continue to defend artistic expression”” we will continue to sing and speak up for equality. ”

The chorus is scheduled to play the show nowWorldPride International Choral FestivalInstead. The center did not provide a reason for cancellation.

Announcing the organization’s acquisition at Truth Social, Trump pledged that “no more drug shows” would be hosted there.Part of programming.

The president expelled most of the Center’s council meeting earlier this month, but Grenell began firing employees, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Kennedy Center’s Post-Cancel Gay Men’s Chorus Concert first appeared on the Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News.

Source: Washington Blade: LGBTQ News, Politics, LGBTQ Rights, Gay News – www.washingtonblade.com