"I was part of the original event that opened the Kennedy Center, the Bernstein Mass. The Kennedy Center was founded to be an apolitical home for artists of all nationalities and all ideologies. It is no longer apolitical, and appearing there has become an ideological statement. As long as that remains the case, I will not appear there."
"I've heard nothing about it since February 2025, so I have assumed it's no longer happening. I can't imagine Francesca continuing under the current circumstances. If it is happening, of course I will not be part of it."
Stephen Schwartz declined to host a long-planned gala at the Kennedy Center, citing that the center no longer represents an apolitical place for free artistic expression and that appearing there would be an ideological statement. Schwartz noted participation in the Bernstein Mass that opened the Center and described the Center's founding as an apolitical home for artists of all nationalities and ideologies. He reported no communication about the gala since February 2025 and said he could not imagine Francesca Zambello continuing under current circumstances. Francesca Zambello confirmed Schwartz had been scheduled to host. The Center's public relations vice president said Schwartz was never discussed, confirmed, or under contract with current leadership. Richard Grenell called the reports "totally bogus" and accused major news organizations of encouraging artists to boycott performances.
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