A number of the world’s major classical artists have penned a petition to underscore the importance of free expression and artistic freedom in society.

“We, the undersigned, are American classical musicians. Our passion and mission are making music and, in doing so, offering listeners the possibility of deepening their experience and understanding of the world. We are not politicians: We are working citizens who are drawn to music because of its capacity to bridge different viewpoints and cultures, and to connect us through our shared humanity,” the petition commences.

The petition continues by noting President Donald Trump’s recent actions that have targeted free speech since taking office on Jan. 20, 2025.

“True freedom of speech – free from both censorship and fear of retaliation – is the bedrock of the American project: It stands as the First Amendment to our Constitution for good reason. We are dismayed that institutions have – whether by choice or for lack of choice – changed their policies in accordance with lists of demands foisted on them by the current administration. We stand proudly with the institutions and individuals who have held their ground in their own ways, recognizing that doing so carries great risk.

“As musicians, we work daily within others’ truths and illusions. It is our job to examine all perspectives, even the ones we don’t agree with; the freedom to explore and share these perspectives, explicitly guaranteed by our constitution, is in grave danger. We implore all of our fellow Americans to raise your voices with ours to protect these inalienable rights,” it adds.

Among the singers who have signed the petition are  Kristina Bachrach, Jamie Barton, Jessica Beeve, Anne Born, John Brancy, Marilyn Bulli, Julia Bullock, Katherine Ciesinski, Kendra Colton, Shannon Coulter, Meryl Dominguez, Joyce DiDonato, Kiera Duffy, Kristen Dubenion-Smith, Lucy Fitz Gibbon, Hayley Fox, Abbey Greene, Carole Haber, Cecelia Hall, Maria Jette, Judith Malafronte, Tobé Malawista, Eliza O’Malley, Patrice Michaels, Daniel McGrew, Emma McNairy, Jessica Mary Murphy, Leah Patridge, Leora Perelman, Emma Robertson, Laura Strickling, Erin Wagner, Emily Treigle, Morgan Wolfe, Alexander Barbier, Daniel Barna, Anthony Dean Griffey, Ben Gulley, Kelvyn Koning, Samuel Levine, Nicholas Phan, Bryan Register, Michael Sanita, Karim Sulayman, Gregory Zavracky, Peter Benton, Zachary Gordin, Thomas Hall, Stephen Lancaster, Luis Orozco, Cody Quattlebaum, Randall Scarlata, William Sharp, and David Small.

Since taking office, Trump has been particularly hostile toward the arts. He executed a takeover of the Kennedy Center, installed a new board full of loyalists, and had himself elected as the Chairman of the Board. Since then, the Kennedy Center has seen several LGBTQ+ performances canceled, leading to numerous artists from around the world canceling their performances in the U.S. Moreover, Trump has repeatedly threatened to defund the National Endowment of the Arts, prompting the institution to change its policy to follow through and propagate the President’s priorities and messages. As a result, numerous companies from around the country have seen essential funding for their projects terminated immediately. Trump tried to shut down the NEA during his first term in office, but was repeatedly rebuffed by Congress. Now, he has the support of Speaker Mike Johnson to execute his plan if the NEA doesn’t play along with his agenda.

The President also proclaimed that he would seek a 100 percent tariff on films produced outside of the United States. The White House then proceeded to walk back those statements, claiming that the administration was “exploring all options.”

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