On Tuesday night at Carnegie Hall, Robert De Niro appeared unexpectedly amid applause to recite a call for civility from Abraham Lincoln’s 1838 Lyceum Address, emphasizing reason and respect for law in a tense political climate. This moment underscored the continuing relevance of Lincoln’s warning against mob violence and appealed to the nation’s foundation in constitutional values.
De Niro’s Recitation at Tibet House Benefit Highlights Call for Reason
Robert De Niro’s unannounced appearance at the 39th annual Tibet House US benefit concert brought an unexpected but powerful moment of reflection to the event. Known for his portrayals of complex characters like gangsters, avenging taxi drivers, and fighters, De Niro delivered a solemn reading from Lincoln’s Lyceum Address, reminding listeners that
“Reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason, must furnish all the materials for our future support and defense.”
His voice grew steadier as he continued with Lincoln’s emphasis on
“general intelligence, sound morality, and in particular, a reverence for the constitution and laws.”
This reading stood out amid a night filled with music and cultural celebration, serving as a sober reminder amid current unrest.
Benefit Concert Features Diverse Artists and Rich Musical Traditions
The Tibet House event showcased a wide array of performances, blending experimental and traditional sounds from artists such as Laurie Anderson, Elvis Costello, Maya Hawke, Allison Russell, and Christian Lee Hutson. The evening began with the Drepung Gomang Monks’ invocation and wove through avant-garde compositions, folk, gospel, protest songs, Beat poetry, and Broadway classics. Notable musical moments included a duet of the Rolling Stones’ “Wild Horses” by Allison Russell and Toro y Moi, and a rendition of Paul McCartney’s “Maybe I’m Amazed” by Toro y Moi. The concert reflected a global tour of music that bridged genres and generations, embodying the universality of artistic expression.
Political Underpinnings and Artistic Responses to Current Climate
While De Niro did not speak directly about contemporary politics, the event carried an unmistakable undercurrent of frustration and concern. Many performers alluded to issues such as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s controversial actions and the war against Iran. Elvis Costello’s spirited rendition of Nick Lowe’s
“(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding”
reminded the audience of enduring desires for compassion in divisive times. The political context was especially poignant given the nearby Kennedy Center controversy, where composer Philip Glass had withdrawn a planned premiere of his Symphony No. 15, inspired by Lincoln’s Lyceum Address, citing conflicts with the center’s new leadership and President Trump’s opposition to “woke” culture.
Philip Glass and the Kennedy Center Dispute Reflect Broader Cultural Tensions
Philip Glass, co-director of the Tibet House concert, based his Symphony No. 15, titled Lincoln, on the same Lyceum speech that De Niro recited. The premiere of this symphony was scheduled for June at the Kennedy Center but was canceled after Glass criticized the center’s shift following leadership changes initiated by President Trump. Glass stated,
“The values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.”
Several other high-profile artists, including Renée Fleming, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Bela Fleck, also withdrew from engagements at the center. Trump then announced the venue would close temporarily starting in July for a two-year renovation, escalating debates about cultural leadership in the nation’s capital.
Family Connections and Personal Moments Amid Artistic Celebration
The evening also featured intimate artistic moments. Christian Lee Hutson presented an unfinished song with plans to develop it further, before joining Maya Hawke, daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, in a duet. Hawke had a personal highlight offstage as well, having recently married Hutson on Valentine’s Day. The start of the evening included a brief sermon from Robert Thurman, Buddhist scholar and Tibet House co-founder, who praised the artists and spoke about the universal right to happiness. His presence connected the cultural and spiritual dimensions of the gathering, weaving together personal, artistic, and philosophical threads in a night devoted to both celebration and contemplation.
The Continued Relevance of Lincoln’s Message in Today’s Unrest
Robert De Niro’s invocation of Lincoln’s Lyceum Address at Carnegie Hall served as a solemn reminder of the importance of reason and respect for the law during turbulent times. With the country grappling with political division, protests, and cultural debates, the historic speech pointed to the dangers of mob mentality and underscored the necessity of a guiding moral compass. The concert’s blend of cultural expression, protest, and history emphasized how art can reflect and respond to societal challenges. As the nation continues to face uncertainty, moments like these reinforce the value of looking back to foundational principles as a way to seek unity and stability going forward.
