Robert De Niro Recites Lincoln's Civility Warning at Carnegie Hall Benefit

The Oscar-winning actor delivered a powerful reading of Abraham Lincoln's 1838 'Lyceum Address' at a Tibet House US fundraiser.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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In a surprise appearance at the 39th annual Tibet House US benefit concert at Carnegie Hall, acclaimed actor Robert De Niro took the stage to recite excerpts from Abraham Lincoln's 1838 'Lyceum Address.' De Niro's even, deliberate delivery of Lincoln's call for 'reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned' civic discourse stood in contrast to his famous roles playing intense, emotional characters. The performance was part of a night celebrating experimentation and universality in music, featuring a diverse lineup of artists from Laurie Anderson to Elvis Costello.

Why it matters

De Niro's recitation of Lincoln's warning against 'mob violence' and appeal for reverence of the Constitution resonated against the backdrop of ongoing political divisions and attacks on democratic institutions in the U.S. The event also saw numerous performers denounce issues like the war in Iran and immigration policies, underscoring the concert's role as a platform for artistic expression on social and political themes.

The details

Robert De Niro took the stage unannounced and to loud applause at the Tibet House US benefit concert at Carnegie Hall. After a career playing intense, emotional characters, De Niro delivered an even, deliberate reading of excerpts from Abraham Lincoln's 1838 'Lyceum Address,' in which Lincoln warned against the dangers of 'mob violence' and called for 'reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned' civic discourse. De Niro's performance was part of a night celebrating experimentation and universality in music, featuring a diverse lineup of artists from avant-garde composer Philip Glass to singer-songwriter Elvis Costello.

  • The Tibet House US benefit concert took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Abraham Lincoln delivered the 'Lyceum Address' in 1838, early in his public life.

The players

Robert De Niro

An acclaimed American actor known for his intense, emotional performances in films like 'Taxi Driver,' 'Raging Bull,' and 'The Godfather Part II.'

Abraham Lincoln

The 16th President of the United States, who delivered the 'Lyceum Address' in 1838 warning against the dangers of 'mob violence' and calling for 'reason' in civic discourse.

Philip Glass

An American composer and co-director of the Tibet House US benefit concert, who had planned to premiere his Symphony No. 15 'Lincoln' at the Kennedy Center before canceling due to conflicts with the venue's leadership.

Tibet House US

A nonprofit cultural and educational organization that hosted the 39th annual benefit concert at Carnegie Hall.

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What they’re saying

“Reason, cold, calculating, unimpassioned reason, must furnish all the materials for our future support and defense. Let those materials be molded into general intelligence, sound morality, and in particular, a reverence for the constitution and laws.”

— Robert De Niro (qfm96.com)

“The values of the Kennedy Center today are in direct conflict with the message of the Symphony.”

— Philip Glass, Co-director, Tibet House US (qfm96.com)

What’s next

Philip Glass's Symphony No. 15 'Lincoln' is expected to premiere at a future event, now that the Kennedy Center performance has been canceled.

The takeaway

Robert De Niro's recitation of Abraham Lincoln's call for civility and reverence for democratic institutions resonated powerfully in the current political climate, underscoring the enduring relevance of Lincoln's warnings against 'mob violence' and the importance of reasoned, principled discourse in public life.