Stephen Schwartz Withdraws from Kennedy Center Gala Amid Renaming Controversy

Composer Stephen Schwartz, known for musicals such as "Wicked," has announced his withdrawal from hosting the Washington National Opera Gala at the Kennedy Center, scheduled for May 16, 2026. Schwartz cited the center's recent renaming to include President Donald Trump's name as the reason for his decision.

"It no longer represents the apolitical place for free artistic expression it was founded to be," Schwartz stated in an email to Newsday. "There's no way I would set foot in it now."

Schwartz was invited to host the gala by Francesca Zambello, artistic director of the Washington National Opera, prior to the center's renaming. Zambello confirmed Schwartz's scheduled participation but declined further comment.

The Kennedy Center's vice president for public relations, Roma Daravi, contested Schwartz's statement, asserting that he "was never discussed nor confirmed and never had a contract by current Trump Kennedy Center leadership."

The renaming of the Kennedy Center to include President Trump's name has led to a series of artist withdrawals. Jazz musician Chuck Redd canceled his annual Christmas Eve performance, and groups such as Doug Varone and Dancers and jazz ensemble The Cookers have also pulled out of scheduled events.

The center's board voted unanimously on December 18, 2025, to rename the institution "The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts." This decision has sparked legal challenges and criticism from various artists and public figures.