Every year, an eclectic lineup of artists hits Carnegie Hall to support Tibet House’s mission to preserve the Himalayan region’s unique culture with the Tibet House Benefit concert, curated by Artistic Director Philip Glass. One of the highlights is the collaboration and magical moments between unexpected pairings of artists that likely wouldn’t happen elsewhere—and this year was possibly one of the best.
As is tradition, the night began with Tibetan monks and ended with a rousing all-star singalong (this year’s selection was “We Shall Overcome” led by Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers). Author and Tibet House founder Robert Thurman delivered an eloquent speech about finding peace in art during these chaotic times, followed by Laurie Anderson, a mainstay of event. She was joined by actress Gina Gershon, Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal, and recent GRAMMY recipients Scorchio Quartet, who accompanied many of the artists throughout the night. Choegyal, who has quite the sonorous voice, delivered gorgeous spoken-word over a bed of music before playing an upbeat Tibetan number.
Maya Hawke and Christian Lee Hutson
Thurman’s granddaughter Maya Hawke made her Tibet House debut performing songs from her new album accompanied by Christian Lee Hutson, who delivered some solo songs as well. While Phillip Glass didn’t perform this year, his ensemble performed “Music in Twelve Parts.” SNL’s Bowen Yang might have seemed like an odd choice for the lineup at first, but he delivered a poignant reading of Allen Ginsberg’s “Who Be Kind To” accompanied by The Patti Smith Band.
Electronic musician Jlin—who recently collaborated with Philip Glass—made her Carnegie Hall debut with a giant smile. “I never thought a girl like me from Gary, Indiana would be here,” she said to thunderous applause. Her piece was an array of sound effects, clipped beats, and sampled angelic chanting that fit perfectly with the tone set by the monks earlier in the evening.
Not only did Gogol Bordello bring the house down, they also managed to get everyone backstage out of their dressing rooms and dancing in the wings—including the octogenarians Glass and Thurman. Anyone who’s witnessed the band knows they’re a fierce live act, and this cause goes hand-in-hand with their ideals. Ukrainian-born lead singer Eugene Hütz made a rousing plea for just a little sanity in this insane world before they blazed through several songs that showed that while they may have been onstage in NYC, their hearts and minds are with their brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
Once again, this longstanding concert celebrated the power of music without forgetting the harsh realities of the world outside. While very aware that a few hours of music won’t solve the world’s problems, it reminded us that we aren’t alone in facing them.
Check out more photos from the evening below.
Robert Thurman
Laurie Anderson and Gina Gershon
Tenzin Wangyal
Maya Hawke and Christian Lee Huston
Maya Hawke and Christian Lee Huston
The Scorchio Quartet
Philip Glass Ensemble
Jlin
Bowen Yang
Maggie Rogers
Maggie Rogers
Joan Baez
Joan Baez
Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers
Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers
Joan Baez and Maggie Rogers
Gogol Bordello
