Debbie Harry, Kate Pierson, and Toro y Moi Lead 2026 Tibet House US Benefit Concert Lineup
The origins of Tibet House US date back to 1987, realizing a long-held vision of the Dalai Lama to establish a cultural sanctuary in New York City dedicated to the preservation of Tibetan heritage. Over the nearly four decades since its inception, the Annual Tibet House US Benefit Concert has evolved into one of Manhattan’s most distinctive charity events, seamlessly bridging the gap between Eastern and Western musical traditions on the prestigious stage of Carnegie Hall.
Philip Glass, the legendary composer and co-founder of the organization, previously described the magic of the evening to Billboard, noting that the event fosters unique collaborations between artists who might otherwise never cross paths. This year’s gala, commemorating the Year of the Fire Horse, is scheduled to grace Carnegie Hall on March 3, 2026.
The 39th annual iteration features a dual artistic directorship led by Glass and the avant-garde pioneer Laurie Anderson. The eclectic roster of performers includes Anderson herself, alongside punk icon Debbie Harry, the B-52s’ Kate Pierson, and the genre-bending Toro y Moi. Also scheduled to appear are Allison Russell, the Philip Glass Ensemble, Tenzin Choegyal, the Resistance Revival Chorus, and the Scorchio Quartet, with additional special guests to be announced in the coming weeks.
Tony Shanahan, a frequent collaborator of Patti Smith, will return as the evening’s musical director. The event’s honorary chairs feature a notable list of cultural figures, including Uma Thurman—whose father, Robert Thurman, co-founded the organization alongside Glass and Richard Gere—as well as Maggie Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Arden Wohl, and Jonah Freeman.
While Anderson and the Philip Glass Ensemble are hallmarks of the annual tradition, many of this year’s participants are returning to the Carnegie Hall stage after years of absence. This upcoming performance follows the success of the 2025 benefit, which featured standout sets from Michael Stipe, Orville Peck, and Jackson Browne.
The Year of the Fire Horse is traditionally viewed as an era defined by heightened spiritual vitality, personal metamorphosis, and the pursuit of merit. As the organizers suggest, it is a time to “saddle up your soul.”
Tickets for this unique cultural celebration can be purchased here. To learn more about the mission of the organization, visit the official Tibet House US website.
