In a striking and unannounced appearance, acclaimed actor Robert De Niro took to the stage at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday night, greeted by enthusiastic applause from the audience. Rather than delivering a personal speech, the Oscar-winning performer, known for iconic roles as gangsters and intense characters, chose to recite the profound words of Abraham Lincoln, focusing on themes of civility and democratic principles.
A Historic Address Resonates in Modern Times
De Niro read excerpts from Lincoln's Lyceum Address, originally given in 1838, which warns against mob violence and advocates for reasoned governance. With a measured and firm voice, he emphasised Lincoln's call for "reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason" as the foundation for societal support and defence. The speech highlighted the importance of general intelligence, sound morality, and reverence for the constitution and laws, echoing concerns about today's political climate.
Context of the Performance
The event was the 39th annual benefit concert for Tibet House US, a nonprofit cultural and educational organisation. Other notable performers included Laurie Anderson, Elvis Costello, Maya Hawke, and Allison Russell. While De Niro did not explicitly mention current events or President Donald Trump, whom he has frequently criticised over the past decade, the selection of Lincoln's address was widely interpreted as a commentary on contemporary political tensions.
Philip Glass, a co-director of the benefit, drew inspiration from the Lyceum Address for his Symphony No. 15, titled Lincoln. Glass had planned to premiere the symphony at the Kennedy Center in June but cancelled the performance earlier this year, citing Trump's removal of the center's leadership. He stated that the values of the Kennedy Center conflicted with the symphony's message, amid broader debates over so-called "woke" culture.
Political Undercurrents at the Benefit
Although Trump's name was rarely spoken during the nearly three-hour show, his influence was palpable. Many performers denounced issues such as the war against Iran, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and a perceived spirit of violence and indifference. Elvis Costello, for instance, led the crowd in clapping along to "(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding," a song written by Nick Lowe over fifty years ago, underscoring its ongoing relevance.
A Diverse Musical Tribute
The evening celebrated experimentation and the universality of music, featuring a wide range of sounds and rhythms. It began with an invocation by the Drepung Gomang Monks and included avant-garde compositions by Philip Glass and Laurie Anderson. The programme also encompassed folk, gospel, protest songs, Beat poetry, Broadway tunes, and modern classics like the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses," performed as a duet by Allison Russell and Toro y Moi, and Paul McCartney's "Maybe I'm Amazed," sung by Toro y Moi.
Additional highlights included an unfinished song by Christian Lee Hutson, who promised to develop it further, and a duet between Hutson and Maya Hawke. Hawke, daughter of Ethan Hawke and Uma Thurman, recently married Hutson on Valentine's Day, adding a personal touch to the night. Her grandfather, Buddhist scholar and Tibet House co-founder Robert Thurman, opened the event with praise for the artists and a sermon on everyone's right to happiness.
This performance comes amid ongoing political feuds, with Trump announcing the Kennedy Center's temporary closure for construction and numerous artists, including Renée Fleming and Lin-Manuel Miranda, withdrawing from planned appearances there. De Niro's recitation of Lincoln's words served as a poignant reminder of the enduring need for civility and reasoned discourse in democracy.
