On March 3rd, Robert De Niro joined a group of prominent artists in a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall to support Tibet House US. The 39th Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert featured a diverse selection of performers curated by Philip Glass and Laurie Anderson, aiming to raise awareness and funds for Tibetan cultural preservation.
Program Opens with Traditional Tibetan Chants and Philip Glass Ensemble Performance
The event began with chants by the Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery, setting a solemn tone. The Philip Glass Ensemble followed with a rendition of Train-Spaceship, an excerpt from Glass’s opera Einstein on the Beach, with Philip Glass himself observing from the balcony seats.
Robert De Niro Delivers a Powerful Reading of Abraham Lincoln’s Early Speech
Early in the program, Robert De Niro received a standing ovation as he read excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s 1838 Lyceum Address, formally titled The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions. This speech, delivered before Lincoln’s presidency, called for respect for law and Constitution amid increasing mob violence. The address also inspired Philip Glass’s Symphony No. 15, Lincoln, which Glass recently withdrew from its scheduled premiere at the Kennedy Center, citing conflicting values.
“The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions.”
Artistic Collaborations and Performances Highlight Diverse Themes
Laurie Anderson performed her piece Walk on Water and later partnered with Saturday Night Live’s James Austin Johnson in a reading of Allen Ginsberg’s Ballad of the Skeletons. Anderson also joined Elysian Fields for Lucid Dreaming.
Christian Lee Hutson presented an acoustic, unfinished song titled As You Are, So You Will Be, then invited his wife, Maya Hawke, for a duet of her song Devil You Know. Their joint performance added a personal touch to the evening’s program.
“As You Are, So You Will Be.”
“the inimitable, my wife, Maya Hawke”
Tenzin Choegyal and Resistance Revival Chorus Offer Culturally Rich Musical Selections
Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal opened his set with White Crane, inspired by a poem from the 6th Dalai Lama, followed by Snowy Mountains – GangRi, performed with pianist Alex Gray, the Scorchio Quartet, and the Resistance Revival Chorus. The chorus stayed on stage to perform Reverend Robert Wesby’s Woke Up This Morning (With My Mind Stayed on Freedom). A chorus member expressed hope for the audience’s active participation, emphasizing that peace requires action.
“Woke Up This Morning (With My Mind Stayed on Freedom).”
Allison Russell and Toro y Moi Deliver Messages of Resistance and Unity
Allison Russell, accompanied by Kara Jackson and Hadestown cast members Morgan Dudley and Ganessa James, performed We Raise Our Cups from Hadestown, describing it as a song of resistance. She then joined Toro y Moi for a duet of the Rolling Stones’ Wild Horses. Toro y Moi remained for two additional songs: the original Undercurrent and a cover of Paul McCartney’s Maybe I’m Amazed.
“War, never holy. All children are our children. No exceptions.”
Jesse Malin and Elvis Costello Offer Reflections Through Music
Jesse Malin, arriving on stage in a wheelchair, remarked on the challenging times and expressed gratitude for the event’s spirit. For his second song, he stood and asked the audience to stand with him. Elvis Costello followed with a brief solo acoustic version of Blondie’s Picture This, later joining the house band for a fuller set.
“This is a crazy time, so it’s good to be here with so many people whose hearts are in the right places.”
Kate Pierson of the B-52’s Closes the Night Despite Time Constraints
Kate Pierson performed Revolution Earth backed by the Resistance Revival Chorus but was cut short on her next two songs, Wolves and Roam, due to a 10:30 p.m. curfew. The concert concluded with her leading all performers in an abbreviated version of Patti Smith’s People Have the Power. The finale was cut off early as stage security signaled the performers to leave.
Musical Direction and Event Significance
Tony Shanahan, bassist for Patti Smith and music director of the evening, led the house band comprising guitarist Andy York, keyboardist Todd Caldwell, and drummer Brian Griffin. The concert coincided with Tibet’s day of miracles, marked by a full moon and the start of the lunar new year.
Bob Thurman, president of Tibet House US, spoke early in the event about the organization’s mission to protect and promote Tibetan culture rooted in kindness, love, and wisdom. He emphasized the vital role artists play in carrying forward this mission through heartfelt creative expression.
Historical Background and Enduring Legacy of Tibet House Benefit Concerts
The Tibet House US benefit concerts began in 1989, two years after Tibet House US was founded in New York City by westerners at the request of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso. The organization is part of a global network focused on preserving Tibetan culture. These annual concerts, curated by Philip Glass and others, usually held at Carnegie Hall, celebrate the Tibetan New Year (Losar) and support the Tibet House US mission. This year’s event honored the Year of the Fire Horse.
Over the years, the benefit concerts have attracted many distinguished performers, including David Bowie, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, and Emmylou Harris, among others, illustrating continuing broad support for Tibetan culture and heritage.
Full Lineup of Performers at the 39th Tibet House US Benefit
The evening featured a distinguished roster of artists:
- Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery
- Philip Glass Ensemble
- Laurie Anderson
- Elysian Fields
- Christian Lee Hutson
- Maya Hawke
- Tenzin Choegyal
- Resistance Revival Chorus
- Allison Russell
- Toro y Moi
- Jesse Malin
- Elvis Costello
- Kate Pierson
