A view of the Japanese ambassador’s koi pond, which enhanced the serene mood of the annual Opera Ball. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
Kennedy Center chairman David Rubenstein with Opera Ball co-chair Sachiko Kuno. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
Nobuko Sasae, who with her husband, Japanese ambassador Kenichiro Sasae, hosted the Opera Ball, now in its 40th year. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
After dinners at embassies around town, Opera Ball guests flocked to the Japanese residence for dessert, entertainment, and dancing. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
Washington National Opera president James Feldman addresses the guests as ball co-chairs Phebe Novakovic and Sachiko Kuno stand in the background. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
These pretty cookies were included among the many desserts created for the Opera Ball by Susan Gage Caterers. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
Grace and Morton Bender at the 2014 Washington National Opera Ball. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
Mark McFadden of Washington Fine Properties and Lynn McFadden. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
A table was held for Opera chairman Jacqueline Mars, but she didn’t make it to the ball. Kennedy Center Chairman David Rubenstein said she was “under the weather” due to “something she ate.” Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
Tokyo-bound thanks to winning the Opera Ball door prize, partners Daniel Biaggi and David Espinosa of Palm Beach, Florida. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
Michael Kaiser, who is stepping down as president of the Kennedy Center, with his husband, John Roberts. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
The Opera Ball’s laid-back vibe was exemplified by the performances of opera and chamber music at the Japanese ambassador’s residence. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt.
