Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 15, “Lincoln,” will receive its world premiere by the Boston Symphony Orchestra (BSO) at Tanglewood on July 5, 2026. The composer withdrew the eight-movement work from its original Kennedy Center engagement, citing a conflict between the institution’s values and the symphony’s message. The BSO performance, conducted by Karen Kamensek and featuring baritone Zachary James, arrives as part of a four-day program celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.
Why Philip Glass Withdrew the Symphony
Composer Philip Glass withdrew his latest work from the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after the institution’s leadership became a point of contention. In a statement posted to his Instagram account, Glass noted that “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 concluded that he felt an obligation to remove the premiere from the venue under its current leadership. The work, which draws inspiration from Abraham Lincoln’s 1838 Lyceum Address, was originally commissioned by the National Symphony Orchestra and the Kennedy Center.
The Tanglewood Premiere Details
The Boston Symphony Orchestra expanded its Tanglewood schedule by one additional day to accommodate the premiere. According to The Violin Channel, the program serves as a tribute to Lincoln, featuring the new symphony alongside Aaron Copland’s 1942 “Lincoln Portrait” and selections from John Williams’s score for Steven Spielberg’s 2012 film, “Lincoln.” Reflecting on the new venue, Glass stated, “Tanglewood and the BSO have a deep history with new music and civic engagement.”
Future Performances of Symphony No. 15
While the Tanglewood performance serves as the world premiere, the symphony is slated for further appearances in the coming seasons. The Orchestra of St. Luke’s is scheduled to host the New York premiere of the work at Carnegie Hall next season. Additionally, the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, which was originally slated to provide the world premiere following the Kennedy Center withdrawal, is now scheduled to perform the symphony in June 2027, according to reporting by the Boston Globe.
Key Takeaways
- Premiere Date: The work debuts July 5, 2026, at Tanglewood.
- Key Personnel: Karen Kamensek will conduct, with baritone Zachary James performing.
- Programming: The concert includes works by Aaron Copland and John Williams to honor the legacy of Abraham Lincoln.
- Future Dates: Performances are confirmed for Carnegie Hall and the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.