Virginia Opera's Dazzling Northern Virginia Gala

The Saturday evening black-tie gala begins at 7 p.m. with a Cossack cocktail hour followed by dinner at 8 p.m., all intertwined with live performances by thrilling Virginia Opera artists and renowned Russian Balalaika players.

Proceeds from the gala, which also helps to commemorate the 200th anniversary of Russian-American diplomatic relations, benefit Virginia Opera programs in Northern Virginia, including its nationally recognized education program, which last year reached out to more than 33,600 students from schools throughout the area.

Gala tickets are $250 per individual, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. RSVP deadline is Feb. 13, 2008. -- www.vaopera.org