At a Glance
- Stephen Schwartz will not host the Kennedy Center gala.
- He cites the Trump administration’s renaming of the venue as politicizing the space.
- Multiple artists have canceled performances after the board vote.
- Why it matters: The controversy shows how political decisions can ripple through Washington’s cultural scene.
Stephen Schwartz announced on Saturday that the Kennedy Center no longer meets its founding mission of apolitical artistic expression. He said that appearing there has become an ideological statement and he will not appear.
Stephen Schwartz stated:
> “The Kennedy Center was ‘founded to be an apolitical home for free artistic expression for artists of all nationalities and ideologies.’ The composer said that was no longer the case, and that ‘appearing there has now become an ideological statement.’ ‘As long as that remains the case, I will not appear there.'”
Schwartz’s Decision
Stephen Schwartz announced on Saturday that the Kennedy Center no longer meets its founding mission of apolitical artistic expression. He said that appearing there has become an ideological statement and he will not appear.
Stephen Schwartz stated:
> “The Kennedy Center was ‘founded to be an apolitical home for free artistic expression for artists of all nationalities and ideologies.’ The composer said that was no longer the case, and that ‘appearing there has now become an ideological statement.’ ‘As long as that remains the case, I will not appear there.'”
WNO and Kennedy Center Reactions
Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the Washington National Opera, confirmed that Schwartz had been invited in December 2024 to host the May 2026 gala. She said he kindly agreed to host and curate the program.
Roma Daravi, spokesperson for the Kennedy Center, disputed the claim, saying Schwartz was never discussed or contracted.
Richard Grenell, interim President, called reports bogus.
Richard Grenell stated:
> “I was never signed and I’ve never had a single conversation on him since arriving.”
Artist Boycotts and Programming Gaps
Following the board vote, several artists canceled performances. The cancellations include:
- Chuck Redd, jazz artist
- The Cookers, jazz band
- Kristy Lee, folk singer
- Doug Varone and Dancers, dance group
- Issa Rae, actress
- Hamilton, the musical
Roma Daravi criticized cancellations, saying they are selfish and intolerant.
Legal and Political Context
The board voted in early December to rename the venue to include Trump’s name after the President replaced the board. Rep. Joyce Beatty, an ex officio board member, sued the administration last month, arguing the renaming violates federal law.
Key Takeaways
- Stephen Schwartz will not host the Kennedy Center gala due to political concerns.
- Washington National Opera confirmed the invitation, but the Kennedy Center denies any contract.
- Artist cancellations have left gaps in the venue’s programming.
- A lawsuit challenges the renaming of the Kennedy Center.
The controversy underscores how political decisions can ripple through Washington’s cultural scene.
