Tenor Jonathan Tetelman has withdrawn from the National Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concert performances of Puccini’s Il trittico at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and Carnegie Hall. The performances are scheduled for 29 April and 1 May 2026 in Washington, and 3 May 2026 in New York.
In a statement shared on social media, Tetelman said he had been “very much looking forward” to performing the work and to exploring the role for the first time. He added that he would be unable to participate in the performances, offered his best wishes to colleagues and the orchestra, and apologised to ticket-holders for the disappointment. He did not provide a specific reason for his withdrawal.
At the time of writing, no replacement has been announced. The production remains scheduled to proceed with the rest of the cast, including Erika Grimaldi and Roman Burdenko, under the direction of Gianandrea Noseda.
Part of a broader moment at the Kennedy Center
Tetelman’s decision comes amid a wider series of cancellations and withdrawals at the Kennedy Center following recent leadership and governance changes at the institution.
In recent months, Philip Glass withdrew the world premiere of his Symphony No. 15 “Lincoln” from the venue. Violinist Hilary Hahn and cellist Seth Parker Woods also stepped away from scheduled appearances there. These decisions have drawn international attention within the classical music community.
One of the most significant developments has been the decision of the Washington National Opera to leave the Kennedy Center. The company announced that it would seek to end its formal affiliation with the venue, marking a major institutional shift. The departure of the opera company stands as one of the clearest structural consequences of the current situation.
By contrast, the National Symphony Orchestra has remained in place. Music Director Gianandrea Noseda previously issued a message emphasising that music belongs to everyone and reaffirming the orchestra’s commitment to its musicians and audiences.
Robertson publicly supports Noseda’s message
In a related social media development, conductor David Robertson, who is scheduled to lead the NSO this week, reposted Noseda’s earlier statement. Robertson wrote that he was “very happy to return” to the orchestra “for the musicians, for the music, for the audience,” expressing appreciation for Noseda’s message. Noseda responded with thanks in the comments.
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