Javier Hernandez

The president, who recently took over Washington’s major performing arts center, reportedly said that he had not been encouraged to develop his musical talents.

A recording of President Trump’s private remarks at a Kennedy Center board meeting shows that he mused about bestowing honors on dead celebrities and people from outside the arts.

The president, who recently had himself installed as the center’s chairman, has called a meeting of its board to approve changes that would give him more input in the process.

The vice president and his wife were booed as they took their seats for a National Symphony Orchestra concert of music by Shostakovich and Stravinsky.

The donation from two philanthropists will support performances, commissions and young artists, at a time of uncertainty for the dance industry.

Paolo Zampolli, a Trump appointee on the center’s board, wants the institution to host Valentino fashion shows, send art into space and open a marina and a Cipriani restaurant.

Christian Tetzlaff said he was disturbed by the president’s embrace of Russia and other policies. “There seems to be a quietness or denial about what’s going on,” he said.

Ms. Giddens said that she could not “in good conscience” play at the venue following the sweeping changes. Renée Fleming, Ben Folds and Shonda Rhimes all left posts there.

Michael Tilson Thomas, who led the San Francisco Symphony for 25 years, said, “Now is the time to wind down my public appearances.”

Richard Grenell, the center’s new president, told a conservative gathering that the “big change” at the center would be a “huge celebration of the birth of Christ at Christmas.”