Alda, Close, Ford Set For 2009 World Science Festival's Opening Gala 6/10 In NYC

The star-studded roster for the 2009 World Science Festival's Opening Gala Performance on June 10 at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall has been finalized. This salute to the intersection of science and the arts - a recurring theme throughout the Festival's five days of programming - encompasses nearly all forms of the performing arts, and includes some of the top names in show business.

Event co-chairs include Alan Alda, Glenn Close and Harrison Ford. Additional performers include theatre stars Christine Baranski, Danny Burstein, James Naughton and Anna Deavere Smith, musicians Joshua Bell and Yo-Yo Ma, and composer/conductor Todd Ellison. Marin Alsop conducts the St. Luke's Orchestra in the New York premiere of Frans Lanting's multimedia orchestral work "Life: A Journey Through Time," with an original score by Philip Glass. Also performing will be students of the National Dance Institute and members of The Abyssinian Baptist Church Choir.

The evening includes a salute to E. O. Wilson, explorer, poet, and champion of the natural world on his 80th birthday. Former New York City Ballet star Damian Woetzel directs and produces the show in collaboration with the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts.

The World Science Festival Opening Gala Performance takes place Wed., June 10 at 7:00 p.m., followed by a VIP reception. Tickets available- but going fast - at www.worldsciencefestival.com.