Stephen Schwartz, famous composer evilhas pulled out of a scheduled gala appearance at the Kennedy Center, citing concerns that the once nonpartisan arts organization has become politically charged following its takeover by the Trump administration.
Schwartz said he can’t participate in events at venues that currently convey ideological messages simply by association. In a statement shared Saturday, he emphasized that while the Kennedy Center was created as a space where artistic expression could exist independent of politics, he believes that principle no longer applies.
“As long as my appearance there could be construed as a political statement, I won’t be there,” Schwartz said.
The long-standing relationship has now broken down.
The decision carries particular weight given Schwartz’s history at the Kennedy Center. He contributed to the opening in 1971 and provided lyrics. massa musical theater piece composed by Leonard Bernstein at the request of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis to honor President John F. Kennedy.
More than 50 years later, Schwartz said he was invited to host the May 2026 gala in support of the Washington National Opera in December 2024. Schwartz said the invitation came from Francesca Zambello, the opera company’s artistic director.
Mr. Zambello confirmed that he had extended the offer and said Mr. Schwartz had agreed to both host and supervise that night’s show. She also shared promotional materials that listed him as the event’s host. He confirmed his decision to resign but declined to elaborate further, saying only that his views were personal.
Conflicting accounts from leadership
Kennedy Center officials denied claims that Schwartz had any official involvement in the event. Roman Daravi, a spokeswoman for the center, said Schwartz has never been approved under the current leadership and has not signed a contract.
Interim President Richard Grenell took a similar stance, saying on social media that reports of the cancellation were inaccurate and that he had never spoken to Schwartz since taking office.
Despite these denials, third-party ticketing sites have advertised Schwartz as the gala’s host in recent months, but by Friday evening, Schwartz’s name had conspicuously disappeared from the Kennedy Center’s official website.
Retirement patterns that attract attention
Schwartz’s decision follows a wave of artist withdrawals following the center’s recent rebranding. Since the board of directors voted to add Donald Trump’s name to the venue, several performers have withdrawn, leaving a notable gap in future programming.
Jazz musician Chuck Redd has canceled his long-running Christmas Eve concert, a tradition he has maintained for nearly 20 years. The Cookers have canceled their New Year’s Eve performance, and folk singer Christy Lee and Doug Vallone and the Dancers have canceled appearances scheduled for early 2026. Each cited concerns surrounding the name change.
Previous departures included Issa Rae and Tour Productions. hamiltonboth resigned before the board’s formal vote.
Dharavi had previously criticized the cancellation, arguing that artists who pull out due to political differences are letting down audiences. She said such decisions go against the role of public performers.
Legal issues and cultural collapse
The dispute also reached the courts. Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio and an ex-officio board member, filed a lawsuit last month challenging the name change. She claims the move violates federal law governing agencies chartered by Congress.
For Schwartz, the issue appears to be less legal and more philosophical. His resignation highlights broader tensions across the art world. In the arts, institutions long considered neutral are now sites of political debate, and choosing not to perform can be just as loud as taking the stage.
Source: Gayety – gayety.com
