NEW YORK (AP) - Prize-winning composer Philip Glass has canceled a scheduled world premiere of his Symphony No. 15, titled "Lincoln," at the Kennedy Center, marking a continuation of cancellations stemming from the major shifts in leadership following President Donald Trump's removal of the former administration.

The premiere, originally set to take place on June 12 and June 13, was to be conducted by Grammy-winning conductor Karen Kamensek. Glass’s composition is a tribute to Abraham Lincoln, exploring themes that resonate with Lincoln's legacy.

In a statement released by his publicist, Glass expressed his discontent with the current leadership of the Kennedy Center. "Symphony No. 15 is a portrait of Abraham Lincoln, and the values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony," he stated. He added, "Therefore, I feel an obligation to withdraw this Symphony premiere from the Kennedy Center under its current leadership."

The Kennedy Center spokesperson did not provide immediate comments regarding Glass's decision. Notably, Glass, close to celebrating his 89th birthday on an upcoming Saturday, was honored at the Kennedy Center in 2018.

This cancellation is part of a broader trend over the past year, with multiple artists withdrawing from performances at the renowned venue. Artists such as Renée Fleming and Bela Fleck have also opted out, citing similar concerns regarding the leadership changes and the ideological direction of the center under Trump's administration.

Trump's alterations to the Kennedy Center's governance have included the appointment of board members who are part of his campaign against what he terms "woke culture." This shift has led to a significant rebranding effort, which includes plans to rename the venue as the "Trump Kennedy Center." Although Trump's name already appears prominently at the venue, such a formal change would typically require an act of Congress.

This situation highlights a growing divide in the cultural landscape, encapsulating ongoing tensions between artistic expression and political ideologies. Glass’s refusal to premiere his work at the Kennedy Center serves as a clear indication of his opposition to the current values being promoted by its leadership, further illuminating the impact of political dynamics on the arts.