Rising with Reason
A Performing Arts Salute to Science and Courage
- Monday, October 27, 2025
- Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Frederick P. Rose Hall
About the Gala
The World Science Festival’s 2025 Gala – Rising with Reason: A Performing Arts Salute to Science and Courage – brought together luminaries from science and the arts to celebrate the power of reason and the resilience of the human spirit. The evening included science-inspired cocktails, a seated dinner, and an original performance that paid tribute to pioneering scientists over the ages, while speaking to the promise and urgency of science in our time. We are extremely grateful to the world-renowned artists who participated in the performance.
Performers
John Behlmann, John Ellison Conlee, Noma Dumezweni, Melissa Errico, Francesca Faridany,
Brian Greene, Chukwudi Iwuji, Francis Jue, Julia Knitel, Ava Lalezarzadeh, Larisa Martínez,
Kate Mulgrew, Alfredo Narciso, Nicholas Podany, Nathaniel Stampley
Gala Leadership
Marilyn Simons
Tamsen Ann Ziff
Gala Co-Chairs
Evelyn Cueva and Michael Vranos
Pamela Hurst-Della Pietra & Stephen Della Pietra
Barbara Amonson and Vincent Della Pietra
Emily McKhann and Andrew Cooper
Blavatnik Foundation
The Brandt Jackson Foundation
Margaret Crotty and Rory Riggs
Scott Asen
Gabriella Wright and Shawn Fanning
Gerry Ohrstrom
Lynda and Stewart Resnick
Emilie and Jim Reddoch
Royalty Pharma
Karen Burke and Peter Goulandris
Mark and Barbara Silber
What You Make Possible
Together, we’ve reached new heights in science education, public engagement, and global outreach. Along the way, we’ve achieved some remarkable milestones, including:
- Over 250 million views of our digital content
- Continuous programming: digital productions, in-person events, and festivals in NYC and Australia
- PBS national broadcast of Light Falls, reaching over 2 million viewers
- 10M+ views of our digital science courses
- 300+ mathematically gifted students from 44 countries empowered through our World Science Scholars program
The World Science Festival is made possible by the generous support of our donors. Sponsorship of Rising with Reason: A Performing Arts Salute to Science and Courage directly benefits our educational and public programs, ensuring science remains accessible, engaging, and inspiring for audiences worldwide.
All contributions will be matched through a generous grant from the Simons Foundation.
