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Saturday, June 6, proved a musical, tasteful, and culturally astounding evening at the Washington Residence of the German Ambassador to the United States, where the Washington National Opera welcomed guests to its annual Opera Ball. Supporters of the Opera, including three Supreme Court justices, U.S. senators, and an array of ambassadors, filled the residence. The ball featured an immaculately decorated arena, delicious food, and jovial entertainment. Amidst the stunning evening, diplomatic ties were strengthened as globally and professionally diverse guests shared their love of the arts.
Colorful lights illuminated the residence, setting the energetic tone of the evening. Interior walls were adorned with flowers and works of art, which attracted guests’ eyes. Spacious outdoor patios offered views of Georgetown and areas far beyond the District. Throughout the residence and terrace, members of the opera, who were dressed in costume, showcased upcoming WNO pieces. Upstairs, guests enjoyed dessert buffets, bars, and ample space for socializing. Downstairs, the Berlin Bar featured beer tastings, a DJ hosted dance floor, and a cozy atmosphere that welcomed informal interactions among guests. Outside, guests flocked to a secluded terrace that featured live performances, an open bar, and an expansive stairway leading to a second, less populated sitting area. Guests who descended the residence’s impressive outdoor stairway enjoyed a transformed pool, which was illuminated by globes and created a feeling of tranquility.
Guests savored a wide-array of desserts elegantly presented on tables throughout the residence and served by an attentive staff. Desserts included a variety of German classics, from biskuitrolles to obsttorte, prepared by the Embassy’s Chef. The Embassy Chef wowed visitors by preparing and serving cherries jubilee in the dining hall.
The evening celebrated WNO’s upcoming production of Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung, which is a cycle of four epic operas that last 16 hours. However, the ball featured “lighter fare,” as described by Ambassador Dr. Peter Wittig, that included 1920s Evergreens, Broadway show tunes, Operetta songs, and dance floor rhythms. Performers included Moonshine Society, International chanteuse Adrienne Haan, and three of WNO’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists. Beyond musical renditions, the event featured a photo-booth, characters from The Ring of the Niebelung, and a door-prize drawing for a trip for two to Germany. Guests let loose on two dance floors and enjoyed stunning views while watching outside performances.
The evening, graciously hosted by the Ambassador of Germany Dr. Peter Wittig and Mrs. Huberta von Voss-Wittig, highlighted Opera’s expansive fan base and ability to strengthen diplomatic relations. Prior to the ball, nearly 20 ambassadors hosted dinners at their residences, exhibiting widespread global support of the arts. While addressing attendees of the event, Capricia Penavic Marshall, who chaired the event, remarked, “[diplomatic] support of the arts strengthens our global partnerships.” The event’s guest list illustrated her sentiment with the attendance of political influencers such as Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Justice Samuel Alito, Senator Pat Leahy, Senator Tom Udall, and Senator Richard Shelby.
The 2015 Opera Ball was a charming and interactive evening that benefited one of the District’s major art institutions, the Washington National Opera. Through their attendance, guests contributed to the approximately $700,000 raised in support of the Opera.
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
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Dessert, Dancing, and Diplomacy The 2015 Washington National Opera Ball
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June 18, 2015
Saturday, June 6, proved a musical, tasteful, and culturally astounding evening at the Washington Residence of the German Ambassador to the United States, where the Washington National Opera welcomed guests to its annual Opera Ball. Supporters of the Opera, including three Supreme Court justices, U.S. senators, and an array of ambassadors, filled the residence. The ball featured an immaculately decorated arena, delicious food, and jovial entertainment. Amidst the stunning evening, diplomatic ties were strengthened as globally and professionally diverse guests shared their love of the arts.
Colorful lights illuminated the residence, setting the energetic tone of the evening. Interior walls were adorned with flowers and works of art, which attracted guests’ eyes. Spacious outdoor patios offered views of Georgetown and areas far beyond the District. Throughout the residence and terrace, members of the opera, who were dressed in costume, showcased upcoming WNO pieces. Upstairs, guests enjoyed dessert buffets, bars, and ample space for socializing. Downstairs, the Berlin Bar featured beer tastings, a DJ hosted dance floor, and a cozy atmosphere that welcomed informal interactions among guests. Outside, guests flocked to a secluded terrace that featured live performances, an open bar, and an expansive stairway leading to a second, less populated sitting area. Guests who descended the residence’s impressive outdoor stairway enjoyed a transformed pool, which was illuminated by globes and created a feeling of tranquility.
Guests savored a wide-array of desserts elegantly presented on tables throughout the residence and served by an attentive staff. Desserts included a variety of German classics, from biskuitrolles to obsttorte, prepared by the Embassy’s Chef. The Embassy Chef wowed visitors by preparing and serving cherries jubilee in the dining hall.
The evening celebrated WNO’s upcoming production of Wagner’s The Ring of the Nibelung, which is a cycle of four epic operas that last 16 hours. However, the ball featured “lighter fare,” as described by Ambassador Dr. Peter Wittig, that included 1920s Evergreens, Broadway show tunes, Operetta songs, and dance floor rhythms. Performers included Moonshine Society, International chanteuse Adrienne Haan, and three of WNO’s Domingo-Cafritz Young Artists. Beyond musical renditions, the event featured a photo-booth, characters from The Ring of the Niebelung, and a door-prize drawing for a trip for two to Germany. Guests let loose on two dance floors and enjoyed stunning views while watching outside performances.
The evening, graciously hosted by the Ambassador of Germany Dr. Peter Wittig and Mrs. Huberta von Voss-Wittig, highlighted Opera’s expansive fan base and ability to strengthen diplomatic relations. Prior to the ball, nearly 20 ambassadors hosted dinners at their residences, exhibiting widespread global support of the arts. While addressing attendees of the event, Capricia Penavic Marshall, who chaired the event, remarked, “[diplomatic] support of the arts strengthens our global partnerships.” The event’s guest list illustrated her sentiment with the attendance of political influencers such as Chief Justice John Roberts, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Justice Samuel Alito, Senator Pat Leahy, Senator Tom Udall, and Senator Richard Shelby.
The 2015 Opera Ball was a charming and interactive evening that benefited one of the District’s major art institutions, the Washington National Opera. Through their attendance, guests contributed to the approximately $700,000 raised in support of the Opera.
The views presented in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent the views of any other organization.
