SOCIAL SCENE
Rigaletto Presented at Italian Embassy
Presenting Carmen & Saying Goodbye to Allen May 19 was opening night of the Ballet’s season finale. The program began with David Palmer’s Passing Through followed by a musical interlude performed by Youth Orchestra of the Americas. Edwaard Liang’s As Above, So Below concluded Act I. Following intermission, Carmen was beautifully interpreted by lead dancers Sona Kharatian, Luis R. Torres, Maki Onuki and Jared Nelson. At a postperformance reception, Board Chair Sylvia de Leon hailed “the year that was” as the Ballet grew to a new level. Incoming Executive Director Peter Branch was welcomed and glasses were raised to his predecessor Russell Allen. Top, Clara Register and husband Dr. Edward Jewell Top right, outgoing executive director Russell Allen and Phoebe Eliopoulos. Below right, incoming executive direcotr Peter Branch and Izette Folger. Below, Dancers Luis R. Torres and Elizabeth Gaither with her husband Theo Kossenas.
In celebration of the 150th anniversary of the unification of Italy, Ambassador Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata and his staff made the embassy available for a presentation of Rigoletto on May 21 featuring The Opera Camerata of Washington Orchestra and Chorus conducted by Gregory Buchalter and directed by Roger Riggle. José Sacia, Elisabeth Turchi and Jesus Hernandez took leading roles. In his enthusiastic remarks, Executive Director Michael J. Reilly acknowledged diplomatic dignitaries and said “opera is cool, modern, stimulating. You will leave humming and tapping your feet with wonderful young singers.” The cast sang happy birthday to Countess Gertrude d’Amecourt and Princess Selene Obolensky, who beamed in the front row. Top, Michele Giacalone and Rebecca Littig Bottom, Gretchen Wietmarschen and Rhoda Septilicci
Ballet & Russell Allen Members of the Women’s Committee of the Washington Ballet partied at Maziar Farvar’s Peacock Café in Georgetown to celebrate outgoing Executive Director Russell Allen and his years at the Ballet. The party on May 24 was organized by Sally Francis and former TWC President Beth Kohlhoss. The ladies toasted Russell and presented him with an engraved silver card case from Tiffany. Despite scarce funding for the arts, Russell leaves the Ballet with stronger earned revenue. Above, Dalton Richardson, Barbara McConaghy Johnson, Janet Schatz-Snider and Elliot Epstein Below, Joe Hagel-Silverman and Larry Skantze.
30 June1, 2011 GMG, Inc.