Singer-songwriter Ben Folds, a former artistic advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra (NSO) at the John F. Kennedy Center, released an open letter addressing the orchestra’s current circumstances. He stated he resigned from his position in February 2025 but maintains contact with individuals still involved.
Folds highlighted the absence of a publicly announced program for the NSO’s upcoming season, noting that most orchestras finalize their schedules approximately 18 months in advance. He also pointed out the uncertainty surrounding the NSO’s performance venue, given the previously announced two-year closure of the John F. Kennedy Center, characterizing the situation as a concerning sign.
He explained that the NSO’s financial stability is impacted by the Kennedy Center’s ongoing legal and financial difficulties, including issues related to the orchestra’s endowment fund and associated bank notes.
Folds acknowledged a recent court ruling that mandated the removal of the former president’s name from the Kennedy Center building and aimed to restore the institution’s political independence, but cautioned that a full recovery would be a lengthy process.
He asserted the NSO is facing hardship due to the financial instability resulting from political interference. Folds suggested public support is crucial for the orchestra, urging individuals to follow the NSO Musicians’ Instagram account (@nso_musicians) and engage with their content to demonstrate solidarity.
Folds called on journalists to focus coverage on the NSO’s situation, rather than solely on the building’s name change, and emphasized the potential for irreplaceable loss if the orchestra’s 96 musicians are dispersed. He also encouraged potential donors to offer support as the Kennedy Center navigates its challenges.
He further urged citizens to advocate for safeguards to prevent similar situations from occurring at the Kennedy Center or other federal arts institutions, and to push for enforced independence of the arts from political influence. He also advocated for requiring future Kennedy Center directors to possess experience in arts administration, citing concerns about the impact of inexperienced leadership.
Folds reflected on his own departure a year prior, explaining that the increasingly politicized environment at the Kennedy Center created a situation where artists risked being perceived as taking a political stance simply by performing there. He stated that he would not have wanted to compromise his curatorial role by potentially exposing artists to political repercussions.
He noted the NSO musicians have remained apolitical and continued to perform despite the difficult circumstances, while the National Opera chose to leave the Center, facing its own challenges as a result. Music Venues Adapt to Support Touring Artists with On-Site Accommodation, as artists increasingly face difficulties finding suitable performance spaces.
He concluded by reiterating his long-held belief that symphony orchestras represent a vital symbol of civilization and that the NSO’s current struggles should serve as a warning.
