Stephen Hawking, Yo-Yo Ma at World Science Fesitval Opening Event

As the host of the opening-night gala performance of the World Science Festival at Alice Tully Hall on Wednesday evening, Alan Alda promised a trip through the cosmos “at the speed of art.” And on this occasion, at least, art stepped lively.

Just as well. The evening was presented in honor of the British theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking, who — though by now rendered physically immobile by amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Lou Gehrig’s disease — took the trouble to appear in person, upstaging even the likes of the cellist Yo-Yo Ma.

The first part of the program, directed and produced by the former New York City Ballet principal dancer Damian Woetzel, opened with numbers featuring Broadway singers, the jazz pianist Eldar Djangirov and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City. Kelli O’Hara’s account of Hoagy Carmichael’s “Star Dust” was especially fetching.

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