Renée Fleming to skip performances at the Kennedy Center

Renée Fleming will not perform at Kennedy Center concerts and has stepped down as an artistic adviser to the institution, the outlet said.

When she stepped down as an artistic adviser, Ms. Fleming said, “I’ve treasured the bipartisan support for this institution as a beacon of America at our best.” She added, “I hope the Kennedy Center continues to flourish and serve the passionate and diverse audience in our nation’s capital and across the country.” Mr. Trump has exerted his influence on the traditionally nonpartisan Kennedy Center in his second term, naming an ally as its executive director and filling its board with his supporters. He also hosted the Kennedy Center Honors last month.

Ms. Fleming sang at President Biden’s inauguration and was honored by the Kennedy Center during his term. In May, she performed at the Kennedy Center during the Washington National Opera’s annual gala. The opera recently announced it was leaving the arts center, where it had performed since 1971, because of a drop in donations and attendance since Mr. Trump’s intervention.

Key Topics

Culture, Renée Fleming, Kennedy Center, Washington National Opera, Donald Trump, Biden Inauguration