Washington, D.C. — Ben Folds, the renowned musician and former artistic adviser of the Kennedy Center, has made a bold statement against recent leadership changes at the iconic institution. As the Trump-appointed administration prepared to take over at 2:00 p.m., Folds stepped away, feeling disillusioned by what he views as an imminent threat to the center’s mission. “I wanted no part of what was coming,” he said, reflecting on his decision to leave just one minute before the transition.
Folds, who spent eight years cultivating unique orchestral programming at the Kennedy Center, sees the administrative shake-up as more than a mere job change. He perceives it as a betrayal of the center’s artistic integrity, one that threatens the very fabric of cultural expression in America. In a powerful gesture, he released an orchestral album titled Ben Folds Live with the National Symphony Orchestra, which captures the last moments of his work at the center. The album, set to be released on July 4, serves as a resounding critique of what Folds calls "creeping authoritarianism" in the cultural realm.
The album opens with “But Wait, There’s More,” a track that combines biting commentary with a sense of optimism. Folds insists that while he believes in the goodness of people, it requires effort and expression to uphold that goodness. His commitment to these values was tested during the upheaval when the incoming leadership dismissed Deborah Rutter, the long-time president who had successfully guided the institution. Folds characterized her termination as indicative of a disregard for the artistic community.
“The trust was broken,” Folds expressed, lamenting how the new administration undermined the sense of collaborative spirit that previously defined the Kennedy Center. Artists, he argues, should not face the risk of being silenced or undervalued by those in power. Folds emphasizes that the Kennedy Center has always served as a platform not only for performance but for civic connection, promoting diverse artistic expressions.
Under Folds’ guidance, the Kennedy Center embraced innovation through programs like Declassified, which encouraged the integration of contemporary music with orchestral arrangements. He challenged musicians to transcend conventional roles, allowing the orchestra to be an integral part of storytelling, rather than mere background accompaniment. “We weren’t using the orchestra as props,” he noted, highlighting the importance of authentic artistic collaboration.
With his new album, which features orchestral reimaginings of beloved tracks such as “Still Fighting It,” Folds continues his mission of fostering inclusivity and artistic growth. He remarked on the collaborative spirit involved in the orchestration process, crediting the vitality of the arrangements to the array of talented orchestrators he worked with. His creative approach aligns with a commitment to excellence, as he required symphonic pieces to stand alongside classical works.
Folds also addressed lingering misconceptions about the financial structure of the Kennedy Center. He clarified that its government funding constitutes only 16% of the budget, emphasizing that the majority comes from ticket sales and donations. This reality, he argues, underscores the importance of investing in the arts, particularly in a time when cultural initiatives are often perceived as expendable.
In a cultural climate increasingly marred by divisiveness, Folds recognizes the challenges facing the arts. He sees inclusivity not as a threat but as an opportunity for broader representation and engagement. Drawing from his own upbringing in a desegregated South, he champions a vision of shared artistic space where diverse voices can shine.
The forthcoming album, with tracks like “Kristine from the Seventh Grade” and “Fragile,” captures the essence of Folds’ artistic journey—reflecting both vulnerability and resilience. It serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and complexity inherent in music and fosters hope amid uncertainty.
As Folds moves forward, he remains resolute in his belief that the show must go on. His message resonates as a call to action—for artists and audiences alike—to advocate for authenticity and inclusivity in the face of challenges. Though he may have stepped away from one chapter, Ben Folds is not retreating quietly into the background. Instead, he reaffirms his commitment to the arts, determined to continue making music that matters.