The Kennedy Center Leadership in Chaos Following Firing of President & Resignation of National Symphony Orchestra Artistic Advisor
By Francisco SalazarThe National Symphony’s Artistic Advisor Ben Folds has resigned while Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter has been fired.
Folds took to social media and said, “Given developments at the Kennedy Center, effective today I am resigning as artistic adviser to the N.S.O. Mostly, and above all, I will miss the musicians of our nation’s symphony orchestra — just the best!”
According to the New York Times, “The center’s longtime president, Deborah F. Rutter was also fired from her position. Two officials confirmed the news to the Times.”
Of her departure Rutter said, “The goal of the Kennedy Center has been to live up to our namesake, serving as a beacon for the world and ensuring our work reflects America. I depart my position proud of all we accomplished to meet that ambition. From the art on our stages to the students we have impacted in classrooms across America, everything we have done at the Kennedy Center has been about uplifting the human spirit in service of strengthening the culture of our great nation.”
The news comes as President Donald J. Trump proclaimed that he was officially elected Chairman of the Board. Trump took to social media to announce the news and said ‘It is a Great Honor to be Chairman of The Kennedy Center, especially with this amazing Board of Trustees. We will make The Kennedy Center a very special and exciting place!’”
Trump has already installed Ric Grenell as the interim Executive Director, a man who has no experience in the arts.
Rutter had originally announced her resignation back in January and announced her intent to depart of the year.
The Kennedy Center said, “The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announces executive leadership changes, effective immediately. At a Kennedy Center Board meeting this afternoon, the Board elected President of the United States Donald J. Trump as Kennedy Center Board Chair, replacing former Chair David M. Rubenstein. The Board also terminated Kennedy Center President Deborah F. Rutter’s contract and announced Richard Grenell as interim Kennedy Center President. Fourteen new Kennedy Center Board of Trustee members were also announced today including President Donald J. Trump, Susie Wiles, Dan Scavino, Allison Lutnick, Lynda Lomangino, Mindy Levine, Usha Vance, Pamela Gross, John Falconetti, Cheri Summerall, Sergio Gor, Emilia May Fanjul, Patricia Duggan, Dana Blumberg, bringing the total number of board members to 31.”
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