On March 3rd, Robert De Niro stood out during the 39th Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert at Carnegie Hall, a highlight of the evening’s efforts to raise awareness and funds for Tibetan culture and human rights. The event featured an eclectic mix of artists curated by co-artistic directors Philip Glass and Laurie Anderson, combining music, readings, and performances to honor Tibet and its enduring spirit.
The Robert De Niro Tibet Benefit marked another significant chapter in the ongoing mission of Tibet House US to protect Tibetan cultural heritage, bringing together an array of performers and activists in support of this cause in New York City.
A Star-Studded Lineup Supports Tibetan Culture
Joining Robert De Niro were musicians and performers including Elvis Costello, Jesse Malin, Toro y Moi, Kate Pierson of the B-52’s, Allison Russell, Laurie Anderson, Christian Lee Hutson, Maya Hawke, and several others. Honorary chairs for the evening included Uma Thurman, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Arden Wohl, and Jonah Freeman, adding further prominence to the event.
The concert’s opening act was led by the Tibetan Monks from the Drepung Gomang Monastery, who set a solemn and spiritual tone with their traditional chants. The Philip Glass Ensemble followed with a performance of Train-Spaceship, a selection from Glass’ opera Einstein on the Beach, while Glass himself observed from the box seats above.
Robert De Niro Delivers a Powerful Reading of Lincoln’s Speech
A late addition to the program, Robert De Niro received a standing ovation before reading excerpts from Abraham Lincoln’s 1838 Lyceum Address, officially called The Perpetuation of Our Political Institutions. This early speech by Lincoln cautioned against mob violence and emphasized respect for the law as a core national principle. De Niro’s reading invoked a reflective mood during the concert, linking historical calls for justice with the ongoing Tibetan struggle. Philip Glass, who partially based his unpublished Symphony No. 15 on this very speech, was notably involved in the evening’s thematic fabric.
Philip Glass recently sparked controversy after canceling the premiere of that symphony at the Kennedy Center, citing value conflicts with the venue. This background added depth to De Niro’s performance and the concert’s focus on human rights and political integrity.
Memorable Musical Collaborations and Performances
Laurie Anderson opened with her piece Walk on Water, followed by a collaboration with Saturday Night Live’s James Austin Johnson in a reading of Allen Ginsberg’s Ballad of the Skeletons. Anderson then joined Elysian Fields for their performance of Lucid Dreaming.
Christian Lee Hutson delivered an intimate acoustic performance of his unfinished song As You Are, So You Will Be. He later introduced his wife, Maya Hawke, with whom he performed a duet of Hawke’s Devil You Know.
Tibetan singer Tenzin Choegyal presented pieces inspired by Tibetan poetry and landscapes, including White Crane and Snowy Mountains – GangRi, supported by pianist Alex Gray, the Scorchio Quartet, and the Resistance Revival Chorus. The chorus stayed to sing Reverend Robert Wesby’s anthem, Woke Up This Morning (With My Mind Stayed on Freedom), with a member stressing the importance of audience participation in peaceful activism.
Allison Russell, joined on stage by Kara Jackson and Hadestown cast members Morgan Dudley and Ganessa James, performed We Raise Our Cups from Hadestown, describing the song as an expression of resistance. Russell then teamed with Toro y Moi for a rendition of the Rolling Stones’ Wild Horses, before Toro y Moi stayed to close his segment with his original Undercurrent and a cover of Paul McCartney’s Maybe I’m Amazed.
Jesse Malin and Elvis Costello Bring Personal Energy and Resolve
Jesse Malin arrived onstage in a wheelchair and addressed the crowd, saying,
“This is a crazy time, so it’s good to be here with so many people whose hearts are in the right places.”
Jesse then rose and asked the audience to join him in standing for his second song. Elvis Costello followed with a set that began with an acoustic version of Blondie’s Picture This, later amplified by full band support and electric guitar.
Kate Pierson Closes Amid Curfew Constraints
Kate Pierson performed Revolution Earth with the Resistance Revival Chorus before having two more songs, Wolves and Roam, cut short due to a 10:30 p.m. curfew. The concert’s conclusion came with Pierson leading the ensemble in a shortened version of Patti Smith’s People Have the Power, which ended abruptly when stage security urged performers offstage while the song was still in progress.
Musical Direction and Organizational Mission
Tony Shanahan, bassist for Patti Smith, served as music director and led the house band for most performances. His band featured guitarist Andy York, keyboardist Todd Caldwell, and drummer Brian Griffin, providing a cohesive foundation throughout the diverse program.
Early in the event, Tibet House US President Bob Thurman welcomed the audience with wishes for a happy lunar new year, aligning the occasion with Tibet’s day of miracles marked by a full moon. He spoke about Tibet House US’s dedication to preserving Tibetan culture rooted in kindness, love, and wisdom. Thurman emphasized how artists play a vital role in carrying this message forward through their creative work.
History and Significance of the Tibet House US Beneficiary Concerts
Since 1989, Tibet House US benefit concerts have been a key platform for raising support and awareness for Tibetan heritage and human rights. Founded in 1987 by Westerners at the request of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, Tibet House US in New York serves as part of a global network dedicated to preserving Tibetan culture. The annual concerts, often held at Carnegie Hall and curated by Philip Glass and others, celebrate Tibet’s New Year (Losar) and the Year of the Fire Horse this time around.
Over the decades, these benefit concerts have featured legendary artists such as David Bowie, Patti Smith, Iggy Pop, Stephen Colbert, Emmylou Harris, Jason Isbell, Vampire Weekend, Brittany Howard, and many more, reflecting a broad commitment across genres to Tibetan causes.
Complete Performance Setlist Highlights
The program featured performances by:
- 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
Photographs of the event were captured by Noam Galai and Ilya Savenok on behalf of Tibet House US, documenting a night of artistic solidarity and cultural appreciation.
