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For the first time, the Embassy of the Russian Federation hosted the 2010 Washington National Opera Ball, the organization's signature benefit event. Friday evening, the embassy was transformed into a Russian winter wonderland, with an entrance lined with trees sprinkled with "snow," ballerinas dancing in a life-sized snow globe and a grand sophisticated ballroom offset by an ice room and a replica of Tolstoy's library. In keeping with tradition, music from Russian operas by Tchaikovsky and Glinka sounded throughout the embassy.
Traditionally, various embassies host dinners before the ball. This year, 22 embassies including Portugal, Hungary, Peru, Belgium, Lebanon, Denmark, Afghanistan all took part in dinner hosting this year. Opera ball chair woman Susan E. Lehrman generously underwrites the ball. WNO president Ken Feinberg said the event raised $1.5 million. Proceeds go to supporting General Director Placido Domingo's artistic vision, including outreach and education programs.
"I was determined to create a wonderful evening and it was a pleasure to explore various themes from Russian folklore and fairytales," said Lehrman, who was in a floor-length Carolina Herrera gown.
Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak and his wife played hosts for the evening, "I am extremely happy with the Washington opera and I feel that this culture will be a strong instrument that builds bridges between our two nations," Ambassador Kislyak said.
A sophisticated crowd full of Washington's elite attended the evening, including Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano, Chief Justice John Roberts, Esther Coopersmith, Tony and Heather Podesta, Ambassador Capricia Marshall, Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald of Great Britain and his wife Lady Julia Sheinwald, Jane Cafritz, D.C. councilmember Jack Evans and Ambassador of Japan Ichiro Fujiksaki and Yoniko Fujisaki.
— Report by Kate Oczypok and photographs courtesy of the Washington National Opera
Ambassador Nigel Sheinwald, Lady Julia Sheinwald and Ambassador Pierre Vimont
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Ambassador of Lebanon Antoine Chedid, an entertainer, and Ambassador Chedid's wife, Nicole Saba
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Russian Culture Attache Dr. Viacheslav Moshkalo, Opera Ball Hosts Mrs. Kislyak and Ambassador Kisylak, Opera Ball Chairman Susan E. Lehrman and husband Sam Lehrman
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Ambassador of Japan Ichiro Fujiksaki & Yoniko Fujisaki
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Honorable Jack Evans, Michele Siever and Jane Cafritz
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Chief Justice John Roberts and Jane Roberts
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Kate Michael and Liam Bonner
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An entertainer and Aimee and Robert Lehrman
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Grace Bender, Dr. Robert Marshall and Ambassador Capricia Marshall
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The Honorable and Mrs. Bruce Reed
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Adrienne Arsht
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Heather Podesta |
Michael and Susan Pillsbury |
Phillip and Nina Pillsbury
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Ballerinas
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Bob and Olga Ryan | 
Jim Feldman, an entertainer, and Natalie Wexler |
John Silver and Melissa Moss
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Diane Tachmindji and Mary Mochary
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Russian eggs
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Leslie Deak and Moshira Soliman |
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