Opera
February 11 • The Andrew W. Mellon Auditorum
THE EVENT
The Washington National Opera treated
guests to a Japanese-themed midwinter gala as the
fi ercest snowstorm of the year blanketed the area,
prompting gala chairwoman Frances Norris to joke, "No
one can say you're fair-weather friends," as she addressed
the crowd. Proceeds from the benefi t went to the opera's
Center for Education and Training.
THE SCENE
Guests
dined on sushi and tempura in an ancient Japanese dining
room, transformed by designer Jack Lucky using orchids,
bamboo and cherry blossoms. Following dinner, Bon
dancers taught patrons a few moves before the fl oor was
turned over to rock band Free Spirit. Also getting down
to the tunes were two Sony robots that did a traditional
Japanese dance before le ing loose with some techno
moves.
THE GUEST
Rep. Mike Oxley and wife Pat, Jill
Mitchell, Antonia and John Gore, Collette Bruce, Joyce
Gates, Linda Tarplin, Virginia Boggs and Julie Eddy.
SAVE THE DATE!
WASHINGTON LIFE
is proud to be the magazine sponsor for this years
WNO TH ANNIVERSARY GOLDEN GALA Chaired by Lucky Roosevelt and featuring some of opera's
biggest stars together with Maestro Plácido Domingo
for a memorable performance with special guests
ELIZABETH FUTRAL
DENYCE GRAVES
ANJAKAMPE
ANNA NETREBOKO
Followed by dinner on the Kennedy Center Roof Terrace
on March 19th. Tickets begin at $1,000 and can be
purchased by calling (202)295-2400.
PHOT S BY KYLE SAMPERTON |