Robert De Niro to Present Abraham Lincoln's Civility Address at Carnegie Hall
In a notable departure from his iconic roles as gangsters and fighters, Robert De Niro is set to take the stage at Carnegie Hall to deliver a powerful message on civility and democracy. The Oscar-winning actor will read excerpts from Abraham Lincoln's historic "Lyceum Address" during a benefit concert for Tibet House US, a nonprofit cultural organisation.
Event Details and Featured Performers
The event, scheduled for Tuesday night, marks the 39th annual benefit concert for Tibet House US. Alongside De Niro, the lineup includes prominent artists such as Elvis Costello, Maya Hawke, and Laurie Anderson, who serves as co-artistic director with composer Philip Glass. This gathering aims to support cultural initiatives while emphasising themes of unity and democratic values.
Significance of Lincoln's Lyceum Address
Abraham Lincoln delivered the "Lyceum Address" in 1838 to a young men's debating society in Springfield, Illinois. The speech serves as an early warning against mob violence and its threats to democratic societies. De Niro's recitation will highlight these timeless concerns, drawing parallels to contemporary issues of political discourse and social cohesion.
Connection to Philip Glass's Symphony and Political Context
Composer Philip Glass drew inspiration from Lincoln's speech for his Symphony No. 15, titled "Lincoln." However, Glass cancelled the symphony's planned premiere at the Kennedy Center in June, citing conflicts with the values of the centre under President Donald Trump's administration. Glass stated that the centre's current direction contradicted the symphony's message, reflecting broader tensions in cultural institutions.
Political Backdrop and Artist Withdrawals
De Niro has been a vocal critic of Donald Trump, who has targeted the Kennedy Center as part of his campaign against what he terms "woke" culture. Trump's appointed board announced plans to rename the venue the Trump Kennedy Center, a move that requires congressional approval according to lawmakers and scholars. Additionally, Trump revealed the centre would close in July for a two-year construction project.
This political climate has led several artists to withdraw from planned appearances at the Kennedy Center, including Renée Fleming, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Bela Fleck. These actions underscore the ongoing debates over artistic expression and institutional integrity in today's political landscape.
