Robert De Niro made a surprise appearance at Carnegie Hall on Tuesday night, reciting Abraham Lincoln's 1838 Lyceum Address, a call for civility and reason. The Oscar-winning actor, known for his fierce denunciations of President Donald Trump, did not mention the president directly but his choice of speech was widely seen as a commentary on the current political climate.
De Niro was a featured performer at the 39th annual benefit concert for Tibet House US, a nonprofit cultural and educational organisation. The event also featured Laurie Anderson, Elvis Costello, Maya Hawke and Allison Russell. Philip Glass, a co-director of the benefit, used the Lyceum Address as inspiration for his Symphony No. 15, Lincoln, which he had planned to premiere at the Kennedy Center in June but cancelled due to Trump's ouster of the centre's leadership.
Throughout the nearly three-hour show, Trump's name was rarely spoken, but his presence was felt. Performers denounced the war against Iran, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and a general spirit of violence and indifference. Costello closed with a rendition of '(What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding,' highlighting its enduring relevance.
The concert began with an invocation by the Drepung Gomang Monks and included avant-garde compositions, folk, gospel, protest songs, Beat poetry, and Broadway. Highlights included a duet of the Rolling Stones' 'Wild Horses' by Russell and Toro y Moi, and Paul McCartney's 'Maybe I'm Amazed' performed by Toro y Moi. Maya Hawke and Christian Lee Hutson, who married on Valentine's Day, also performed together.
