The Kennedy Center Cancels Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington Concert

The concert has been withdrawn following leadership changes at the venue instigated by President Donald Trump

The Kennedy Center, which is undergoing major administrative changes this month under U.S. President Donald Trump, has now canceled a scheduled May 21 concert with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington (GMCW) performing alongside the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO). 

The two ensembles had planned to perform A Peacock Among Pigeons, with the GMCW serving as the NSO’s guest chorus. According to the Washingtonian, no explanation was given for the cancellation. 

Last week, President Trump was elected as Kennedy Center Board Chair, replacing former Chair David M. Rubenstein. 

The Board, which saw 14 new appointees alongside Trump, also terminated Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter’s contract and announced Richard Grenell as interim Kennedy Center President.

In a post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump criticized The Kennedy Center’s past programming, particularly those that showcased drag culture. The Washingtonian added that Trump is looking to reconfigure the Kennedy Center Honors to reflect his own tastes. 

GMCW’s canceled concert joins other events being removed by the Kennedy Center, including Finn, a children’s musical created by Chris Nee, Michael Kooman, and Christopher Dimond. 

In place of GMCW and NSO’s collaborative concert, The Kennedy Center is now programming “The Wizard of Oz in Concert,” featuring the NSO playing live alongside a showing of the film. 

Despite this, the GMCW will be performing A Peacock Among Pigeons during their upcoming Choral Festival that is a part of WorldPride 2025.

“We are deeply disappointed with the news that our upcoming Pride performance with the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) has been canceled,” the chorus said in a statement posted on Facebook. “We believe in the power of music to educate and uplift, to foster love, understanding, and community, and we regret that this opportunity has been taken away.

“While we are saddened by the decision, we are committed to this work and to our mission of raising our voices for equality for all,” they added. “We are grateful for those who have supported us, and we will continue to seek spaces where our voices, our stories, and our music can be heard. We will continue to advocate for artistic expression that reflects the depth and diversity of our community and country. We will continue to sing and raise our voices for equality.”