Many artists and musicians have canceled their performances
The situation surrounding the Washington National Opera has escalated after the board of directors changed the name of the Performing Arts Center to include Donald Trump's name. According to Kazinform, citing NBC, many performers have begun to cancel their shows.
In response to these changes, the Washington National Opera has decided to leave the Kennedy Center, where it has performed for many years.
“In the interest of financial responsibility and maintaining budget balance, the Washington National Opera is shortening its spring season and moving performances to new venues. This decision will ensure better conditions for the continued growth of the opera company following the changes,” the company stated in an official announcement.
The opera plans to announce new locations for its performances soon.
Since the opening of the Kennedy Center in 1971, artists have regularly performed on its stage. In its statement, the company noted that “the collaboration was not considered permanent.”
Meanwhile, Donald Trump announced through his platform Truth Social that he would replace board members, including the chairman, whom he believes do not share the vision of a “golden age of art and culture.” In February, Trump was elected chairman of the new board, 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, performers such as Bela Fleck canceled their performances at the center. The composer of the musical "Wicked," Stephen Schwartz, also stated that he would no longer hold gala concerts there, clarifying that his participation would become an ideological statement.
The Kennedy family expressed dissatisfaction with the renaming. Former Congressman Joseph Kennedy III wrote on social media: “The Kennedy Center is a living memorial to the president, and by federal law, it bears his name. It cannot be renamed, just as the Lincoln Memorial cannot be renamed.”
Earlier reports indicated that Trump might name a new ballroom in the White House after himself.
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