Unsurprisingly, the Donald J. Trump-led John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts continues to be a lightning rod for cancelations and financial failure. In the latest news, Vocal Arts DC has become the latest organization affiliated with the Center who is jumping off the sinking ship.

The company sent out a statement noting that showcases featuring Benjamin Bernheim and Carrie-Ann Matheson on Feb. 8, 2026; Quinn Kelsey and Craig Ketter on March 1, 2026; and Le Bu and Artyom Pak on May 10, 2026, would no longer being taking place at the Terrace Theater.

Vocal Arts added, “This was not a decision we made lightly, but the financial realities have made it unfeasible to continue responsibly at this time. We will communicate information on the rescheduling of these three recitals in the next few days.

It added, “Vocal Arts DC has called the Terrace Theater home for many years… Due to significantly lowered ticket sales, frequent refund requests, and a decline in donations, we have made the heartbreaking decision to cancel the remainder of our season at the Terrace Theater.”

Vocal Arts DC joins a list of organizations that have cut ties with Trump’s  John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Among the artists who have canceled are Stephen Schwartz, Lin-Manuel Miranda, The Cookers, Doug Varone and Dancers, Kristy Lee, Chuck Redd, and the team of “Fellow Travelers.” Most importantly, the Washington National Opera, the centerpiece organization of the center, has broken ties with the institution.

Since Trump took over, the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts has struggled to sell tickets. In June the New York Times reported that according to data compiled by anonymous employees, “single-ticket sales were down roughly 50 percent in April and May, compared with the same period in 2024.” The report also noted that revenue was down 82 percent for theater and 57 percent for dance.

OperaWire has reached out to John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts management for comment. If there is any response, (a big if, especially since management has not responded to recent inquiries made regarding the Washington National Opera) we will include it in this article or a follow up piece.

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