Washington National Opera’s ball features ‘Winter in Russia’ theme

The Washington National Opera’s annual opera ball has become a tradition in the federal capital. Susan Lehrman, chairwoman of this year’s ball, is an opera lover herself.

“I love working with the diplomatic community who’s been so supportive of opera,” she said. “People love and appreciate it, and it celebrates common bonds between people of different backgrounds.”

{mosads}Lehrman said that 25 to 30 ambassadors participate to make the opera a favorite among many Washingtonians and a unique event. Typically, ambassadors open up their homes or embassies for pre-ball dinners. 

Sergey I. Kislyak, Russian ambassador to the United States, agreed to host a dinner this year at his home near the White House. He is also bringing rising stars from the Bolshoi and Marinsky theaters to the gala.

“Because it is an international art form, opera is well-loved around the world,” Lehrman said. “The ball should be a great opportunity to bring international business leaders and cultural leaders to participate in a relaxed, fun evening together.”

2010 marks several firsts for the ball. “This is the first time the ambassador of the Russian Federation has hosted the ball and the embassy is so large there will be no need for outdoor tents this year,” Lehrman said.

The ball has also been moved from its typical June date to Friday, May 21.

As for themes, Lehrman is working on a “Winter in Russia” decor. There will be Russian vodka and an ice bar, as well as costumes from the Washington National Opera’s costume studio. There will also be a traditional Russian tearoom.

“There should be plenty of surprise elements to the evening as far as dancing and entertainment,” Lehrman said.

The committee organizing the opera is also partnering with the U.S.-Russia business council to bring together leaders from both nations to enjoy each other’s company in a relaxed atmosphere.

“There’s a lot of shared culture between Russia and the U.S. and we are eager to emphasize this with the ball,” Lehrman said.

Lehrman and her committee started working earlier than usual on the ball.   They had big plans.

They won’t discuss this year’s guest list, but in the past the ball has been attended by such people as Supreme Court Justices Antonin Scalia and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, former Homeland Security Security Michael Chertoff, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.), and Placido Domingo. There will again be members of Congress and business leaders, making what Lehrman calls “a very unique crowd.”

This is the third opera ball Lehrman has chaired. Last year’s, at the German embassy was held on the 20th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. “It was just incredible. We replicated a section of the Berlin Wall for the event,” Lehrman said. “We also brought in popular German chanteuse Ute Lemper to sing.”

The opera ball has become an important fundraising effort for the WNO. All proceeds go directly to the opera for community outreach and educational programs such as the young artists program.

“It’s a fun networking opportunity and a great time for guests to socialize with a bipartisan group of influential Washingtonians from all walks of life,” Lehrman said. 

Also, get ready to dance. The famed Peter Duchin Orchestra from Manhattan will perform live throughout the evening.

Spring Highlights

Springtime in D.C. marks an impressive and fun time of year for events. Here are some highlights over the next few weeks:

FRIDAY, APRIL 16

• The Corcoran Ball

The annual fete with “Project Runway” star Tim Gunn as patron.

SATURDAY, APRIL 17

• Bachelors and Spinsters Ball

A by-invitation-only annual D.C. social calendar tradition since the 1930s.

TUESDAY, APRIL 20

• Folger Shakespeare Gala

A celebration of “Hamlet.”

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 21

• Washington Press Club Foundation’s Annual Dinner (Rescheduled due to February’s snowstorms)

MONDAY, APRIL 26

• Will on the Hill

The annual Shakespeare performance with “House” star Peter Jacobson and members of Congress.

SATURDAY, MAY 1

• White House Correspondents Association Dinner

Celebrities and journalists alike come out to celebrate.

FRIDAY, MAY 7

• Ball on the Mall 

Second annual event bringing together future leaders.