Philip Glass to Debut Long-Awaited Symphony No. 15 with Boston Symphony Orchestra in July
Recently delayed following the Kennedy Center’s vote to add Donald Trump’s name to the facility, Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 15 will premiere later this July.
By John Mary Lim · May 21, 2026
Around four years after its commission in 2022, Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 15 will finally see the light of day, performed by the Boston Symphony Orchestra led by Karen Kamensek this July 5 at the Tanglewood Festival. The performance will also commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and will feature additional works by Aaron Copland (Lincoln Portrait) and John Williams (suite from the film Lincoln).
Composed in honor of Abraham Lincoln, Glass’ 15th symphony has been delayed multiple times since its original scheduled premiere in March of 2022, primarily because it had not been finished by the deadline. Its most recent cancellation was out of Glass’ volition, pulling away from its initial June debut following the Kennedy Center’s boards’ vote to add Donald Trump to the institution’s name.
The work will also have both its New York debut at Carnegie Hall and UK debut at the Royal Festival Hall in January of next year.