NEW YORK
Renée Fleming has canceled two May performances at the Kennedy Center, becoming the latest major artist to withdraw in protest since former President Donald Trump ousted its leadership and moved to rename the venue after himself.
The Grammy-winning soprano was scheduled to perform with conductor James Gaffigan and the National Symphony Orchestra.
While the Kennedy Center cited a “scheduling conflict,” her decision follows a pattern of artistic departures. Last year, Fleming resigned as “Artistic Advisor at Large” after the forced exits of Chair David Rubenstein and President Deborah Rutter.
Her cancellation joins a growing list of high-profile withdrawals, including artists like Lin-Manuel Miranda, Bela Fleck, and Issa Rae, who have pulled out of events at the center as it has become a focal point in Trump’s campaign against what he calls “woke” culture.
Earlier this month, the Washington National Opera also severed its decades-long partnership with the institution.
A statement on the Kennedy Center website noted that a replacement soloist and program would be announced, but Fleming did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
By James Kisoo
