Ball Renews Diplomatic Friendships French Embassy, Washington Opera Put on Dazzling Display by John Shaw and Katherine Tallmadge Culture, philanthropy and creative diplomacy converged at the French Embassy on June 6 in a memorable evening that raised funds for the Washington Opera and renewed the friendship between France and the United States in the aftermath of the Iraq war. The French Embassy hosted the Washington Operaís 45th annual Opera Ball, and once again, the diplomatic community played a pivotal role in creating an unforgettable evening for all those attending. The Opera Ball is one of Washingtonís premier social events. Each year, the ball brings together leaders of the diplomatic, government, corporate and arts communities in support of the Washington Opera. The evening began with small dinners at the official residences of ambassadors from 25 nations. Embassies hosting dinners included Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Denmark, Egypt, Finland, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey and Venezuela. Ambassador of France and Mrs. Jean-David Levitte hosted 550 guests at their astonishing Kalorama residence, which was lavishly decorated to evoke an 18th-century ambience. More than 2,000 votive candles illuminated the embassy lawn. Actors dressed as George Washington, Napoleon Bonaparte, Benjamin Franklin, John and Abigail Adams, and Thomas Jefferson strolled through the mansion. Other actors clad in 18th-century Court of Versailles costumes played cards in an elegant sitting room and posed for photographs with guests. Levitte told his guests that he wanted this yearís ball to commemorate two events that remain at the heart of the Franco-American relationship: the 200th anniversary of the Louisiana Purchase and the 59th anniversary, to the day, of the D-Day landing at Normandy. Levitte said that despite this yearís diplomatic meltdown over the American-led war in Iraq, the French continue to value their relationship with the United States and appreciate its intervention during World War II. ìWe will never forget,î he said, adding that June 6 is an important day in French history. Levitte lavished praise on the Washington Opera and said the annual ball to raise funds for the opera is a ìbeautiful cause, the best cause.î James V. Kimsey, chairman of the Washington Opera Board, said itís now time for Americans and the French to move beyond their differences over Iraq and focus on the future and the values that unite the two nations. ìIím the only opera chairman in the world who has served three combat tours, so my patriotic credentials are intact. Iím proud to be at our allyís embassy on this 59th anniversary of D-Day,î he said. The Washington Opera raises more than half of its $33 million annual budget through contributions to fund its widely acclaimed productions and award-winning educational programs. It is considered one of the top opera companies in the United States and has been given the designation of National Opera by Congress. This season the company is celebrating its 47th anniversary. This yearís ball raised a record $3.15 million for the Washington Opera thanks in large part to the efforts of opera trustee Betty Scripps Harvey and the Edward W. and Betty Knight Scripps Foundation, as well as Kimsey and his foundation. John Shaw is a contributing writer for The Washington Diplomat. Katherine Tallmadge is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C.