The Washington Opera's Carnaval!
A Rio Revelry Samba Celebration

Guests showed up in masks and ready to samba at the Washington Opera's colorful Brazilian Carnaval on February 21. The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium was spectacularly decorated and lighted for the event, which featured four courses of tapas from Occasions Caterers and an impressive Latin-infused performance by the Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program. Hosted by Ambassador of Brazil Rubens Barbosa and his wife Maria-Ignez and the Women's Committee, this event introduced a younger crowd of 20 and 30-somethings to the opera. Dianne Alfandre Bruce chaired the event with the help of Regina and Joe Stettinius, Shelley Brazier and Tom Williamson.

Matt Hastings and Lucky Roosevelt	Olivia Schoeller and Jim Kimsey

The Mellon Auditorium decorated for Carnaval	Sharon and Bruce Bradley

Jordanian Ambassador Karim Kawar with Isabel Ernst	Jany Dor

Chairwoman Dianne Bruce and Libyan Prince Idris Al-Senussi	Rakela Ruperez

Mitchell Delk, Jamie Gavigan, Cindy Jones and Dave Dorros	Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy

Regina and Joseph Stettinius	Marylou Sanford and Connie Lawson

Photos by Zaid Hamid