By Billy Restivo
Tibet House US, an organization dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan culture, is gearing up to celebrate the silver anniversary of its annual benefit concert with some of the most renowned names in music. And what better place to do so than New York’s iconic Carnegie Hall?
Coming together for this year’s concert on March 5 is composer Philip Glass, who will be serving as curator, alongside The Flaming Lips and Laurie Anderson. Other performers include the acclaimed Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal and double-platinum selling Canadian roots artist Ashley McIsaac, with more acts being announced in the coming weeks. In addition to the impressive roster of musicians, photographer Chuck Close, actors Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Uma Thurman, and director Arden Wohl will also be in attendance as Honorary Chairpersons.
Unique collaborations are not uncommon at the Tibet House US Benefit Concert, which gives way to the possibility of exclusive on-stage supergroups. Last year’s show featured a rendition of Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” by Iggy Pop, Philip Glass, and Bernard Sumner, while 2012 showcased the spousal duo of Lou Reed and Laurie Anderson.
While it may seem easy to get lost in the glitz and glamour of it all, this event has a much deeper core, ultimately working to keep Tibetan spirit alive. Since its founding in 1987, Tibet House US has helped establish a worldwide network of institutions committed to spreading and protecting this Asian nation’s culture, and it’s comforting to see a cast of stars dedicated to such a good cause and a celebrated tradition.
Tickets for this year’s Tibet House US Benefit Concert can be found here.