"The ballet is set to perform at the Kennedy Center this year. A petition with over 2,000 signatures is demanding the group cancel because of President Donald Trump's takeover of the iconic arts venue. SF Ballet held its opening night gala on Wednesday at City Hall. It's the start of what company leaders call a milestone year. "It's also the 50th anniversary of San Francisco Ballet Orchestra," said Executive Director Branislav Henselmann."
"On stage this season, the company says audiences can expect performances meant to reflect the city it calls home, including one production centered around artificial intelligence. "When I commissioned it for San Francisco Ballet, very important for me that this company is relevant, speaking on themes of today, and that it reflects this amazing city," said Artistic Director Tamara Rojo. San Francisco Ballet will also represent the Bay Area well beyond California, with tour stops as far as Scotland, and a planned spring performance in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center, which has recently been renamed as the Trump-Kennedy Center."
San Francisco Ballet opens its 2026 season amid political controversy over a planned spring performance at the Kennedy Center, now renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center. A petition with over 2,000 signatures calls for the company to cancel the Kennedy Center engagement because of President Donald Trump's takeover of the venue. The company held its opening night gala at City Hall and marks the 50th anniversary of the San Francisco Ballet Orchestra. Programming this season includes a commissioned work addressing artificial intelligence. The company will tour internationally, including Scotland and Washington, D.C., while some artists have canceled Kennedy Center appearances.
Read at ABC7 San Francisco
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