The 39th Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert: A Magical Evening at Carnegie Hall

By Christine Connallon & Mike Perciaccante

The 39th Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert returned to Carnegie Hall on March 3, 2026, marking the Tibetan Lunar New Year—the Year of the Fire Horse—with an evening of extraordinary artistic collaboration and spiritual reflection. Co-curated by avant-garde icons Philip Glass and Laurie Anderson, the event once again highlighted the power of cultural preservation and creative resilience.

The evening commenced with the deep, resonant chanting of the Drepung Gomang Monks, instantly establishing a space of collective mindfulness within the historic venue. What followed was a seamless bridge of generations and genres. In a profound highlight, legendary actor Robert De Niro delivered an emotionally deep reading of Abraham Lincoln's Lyceum Address, powerfully underscored by the Philip Glass Ensemble.

The musical lineup thrived on unexpected, beautiful collaborations and inspired performances. Toro y Moi offered a striking, piano-led rendition of Paul McCartney’s "Maybe I'm Amazed," later joining Americana powerhouse Allison Russell for a sweeping cover of "Wild Horses." The audience responded to Jesse Malin’s fiery set, thrilled to see him back on the stage where he belongs. Rock icon Elvis Costello injected a fierce jolt of energy into the room, setting the stage for a transcendent finale. Led by the B-52s’ Kate Pierson and the Resistance Revival Chorus, the entire cast united for Patti Smith’s "People Have the Power," leaving the audience uplifted in shared hope.

Photos by Christine Connallon