Washington Life Magazine
Washington Life Magazine

OPERA BALL 2006

June 9 • Villa Firenze
PHOTOS BY LYNN KEITH RUSSEL HIRSHON KYLE SAMPERTON

THE EVENT
Italian Ambassador Giovanni and Lila Castellaneta hosted the
Washington National Opera's 48th annual Opera Ball with "A Venetian Ball at Villa Firenze,2 chaired by Betty Knight Scripps.

THE SCENE
This was truly one of the most spectacular fêtes of the year. Guests were welcomed at Villa Firenze by a candle lit drive and servants dressed in ivory brocade and powdered wigs, and enjoyed a dessert buff et with a chocolate fantasy table and crema fritta alla Veneziana. The theme of Venice at twilight continued on the outdoor terrace with dancing late into the evening to New York's Bob Hardwick and Orchestra. Although the Italians took the cake (tiramisu) by sponsoring the ball and hosting all 550 guests, 26 other ambassadors from Belgium, Spain, Egypt and more pitched in by hosting elegant pre-Ball dinner parties at their respective residences.

THE GUESTS
Justices Anthony Kennedy, Ruth Bader Ginsberg and Antonin Scalia; Secretary of Commerce Carlos Gutierrez and wife Edilia; Sen. Robert Bennett and wife Joyce; Hon. Stuart Bernstein and wife Wilma; Arturo and Hilda Brillembourg; Brazilian Amb. Roberto Abdenur and wife Maria; Under Secretary Paula Dobriansky; Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Martin Ginsburg; Indian Amb. Ronen Sen and wife Kalpana and Dina Powell amongst others.

 

Cathryn Mayo Moore, Marcia Mayo and Miranda Morrison Hagen
Edi Guitierez with Kuwait Amb. Salem and Rima Al-Sabah and Grace Bender

Luca and Maria Ferrari
John and Lynn Pohanka
Tanya and Dan Snyder

Ken Feinberg and Michael Sonnenreich
Chairman of the Board Betty Knight Scripps and Ted Killory

Italian Amb. Giovanni Castellaneta and wife Lila
Mariella Trager, Leslie Kamrad and Suzanne Mehlhouse

A not so serious opera moment
British Amb. Sir David and Lady Manning

Justice Anthony and Mary Kennedy with Deni and Norman Mineta
An enchanting decor set the mood

Riley Temple and Martina Bradford
John Cecchi and his mother Mercedes Cecchi

Isabel and Anthony Lanier
Rick and Dina Powell

Even the fl owers were dancing
Gail and Togo West

Dr. Sheila Jahan and her daughter Sahar
French Amb. Jean David and Marie-Cecile Levitte with Israeli Amb. Anne and Daniel Ayalon

Mehran Etemad and Parvin Kamali

 



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