Special Events

Open Forums

Since 1994, Redeemer Presbyterian Church has produced over 50 Open Forums, with nearly 75,000 in attendance. Open Forums are evenings based on a topic of wide common interest (love, sex, religion, gender issues, race, etc.), explored through artistic expression, lecture and community discussion (open mic question-and-answer sessions). Artistic genres have included jazz, orchestral music, opera, rock, dance, R & B, and spirituals. The performers come from the highest echelon of their art-fields and have included numerous Grammy Award winners, Metropolitan Opera soloists and Broadway stars.

The lectures, delivered by Dr. Timothy Keller, examine the texts of the artistic offerings, asking if the Christian world-view offers an informative perspective on the difficult issues that the texts elicit. Though the lectures are delivered from a Christian perspective, the approach is respectful and tolerant, not coercive.

Finally, each Open Forum event provides an opportunity for audience response and interaction. Microphones are placed in the aisles and audience members are encouraged to ask questions (or raise objections!) to both the artistic performances and lecture. As you might guess, this part of the evening is often the most fun.

Open Forums are free and no ticket or reservation is required for attendance.

An Evening With ...

...is an opportunity to enjoy an intimate setting and experience a musical event featuring a world class artist. It's a wonderful opportunity to invite friends who might not attend a worship service. Past evenings have included author and Steinway technician, Franz Mohr with concert pianist Molly Morkoski; Grammy winning jazz bassist John Patitucci with Jon Cowherd and Rogerio Boccato; New York Philharmonic principal trumpet player Phil Smith and Metropolitan Opera singer Mark Delevan.

Industry Nights

Periodic workshops, panel discussions and opportunities to interface with industry professionals are held at the Redeemer office. Past guests have included casting directors, agents, managers, directors, orchestrators, musical directors, conductors, Broadway, City Opera and MET Opera performers.