The International Pride Orchestra's Performance Canceled at The Kennedy Center

In light of the Trump-led program changes at the Kennedy Center in D.C., the nearby Strathmore Music Center has stepped in to present the concert

The International Pride Orchestra, a nonprofit volunteer ensemble based in San Francisco, was set to perform at The Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. on June 4.

Recently, the Kennedy Center sent an email to the orchestra that read, in its entirety, “We are not able to offer you a contract at this time.”

Founding artistic director Michael Roest said to SFGATE, “No explanation — certainly we can read between the lines of what’s going on.”

The Strathmore Music Center, 10 miles outside D.C. in Bethesda, Maryland, has opted to present The International Pride Orchestra on June 5.

The Trump Administration, which enacted major leadership turnover at the center this month, has canceled multiple other concerts, including the Gays Men Chorus of Washington and children's musical Finn.

In a post on Trump's social media platform Truth Social, Trump criticized The Kennedy Center's past programming, particularly the performances that showcased drag culture. 

These programming changes are being noticed by audiences, and the Kennedy Center is now seeing a 50% drop in ticket sales, The Washington Post reported. 

According to Richard Grenell, who was appointed by Trump as interim Kennedy Center President, the program restructuring under the new leadership would see a “Golden Age of the Arts,” wrote the UK Independent. 

“The Kennedy Center has zero cash on hand and zero dollars in reserves — while taking tens of millions of dollars in public funds,” Grenell said. “We must have programs that sell tickets. We can’t afford to pay for content that doesn’t at least pay for itself right now. I wish we didn’t have to consider the costs of production, but we do.”

At the recent Conservative Political Action Conference, Grenell also announced that he plans to host a "big, huge celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas."

"How crazy is it to think that we’re going to celebrate Christ at Christmas with a big traditional production to celebrate what we are all celebrating in the world during Christmastime, which is the birth of Christ," he said.

Additionally, the leadership turnover has also seen artists withdraw their own performances at the venue. 

“Unfortunately, due to what I believe to be an infringement on the values of an institution that has faithfully celebrated artists of all backgrounds through all mediums, I’ve decided to cancel my appearance at this venue,” said actress and comedian Issa Rae. 

“In DC, but in the wake of Trump taking over, I have pulled out,” added Canadian writer Louise Penny. “It was, of course, going to be a career highlight. But there are things far more important than that.”

Recently, Leonard Slatkin — formerly music director of the National Symphony Orchestra (resident at the Kennedy Center) — responded to a Washington Post opinion piece about Trump’s takeover of the arts sector, from a performer’s perspective. 

“If all artists withheld their performance, the [Kennedy] Center and other related organizations would close permanently,” he said, addressing comments from his Facebook followers. “That is not good for anyone. But, I understand what you are saying. It will be a difficult decision for anyone. I would use the performance opportunity to address the issue, perhaps from the stage directly.”