The 55th annual Diamond Horseshoe Ball was an elegant Russian-themed evening in keeping with Pittsburgh Opera's season-opening performance of "Eugene Onegin." Presented by the Pittsburgh Opera Association and chaired by Drs. Loren and Ellen Roth, the Saturday gala had three acts. The first was cocktails on the balcony of Benedum Center, where abundant appetizers were passed in anticipation of the late supper. Then it was time to be seated for the exquisite production of Tchaikovsky's classic opera, sung to perfection in Russian with stunning sets and a lively cast. There was much to applaud -- and a prolonged standing ovation -- before guests were shuttled to the Westin Convention Center hotel for an intimate dinner and welcome from the opera's dashing general director, Christopher Hahn.

Ellen Roth worked with Bonnie Walker Events to evoke 19th-century Russia and echo the dramatic, large-scale sets onstage. The ballroom was draped in butterscotch velvet punctuated by red curtains, a sumptuous effect that was as cozy as could be on a rainy night. Protege played wonderful dance music throughout dinner, a hearty repast of chilled borscht, cheeses, smoked salmon, filet mignon, black cod and fresh berry crepes. The presence of the cast added more excitement to the evening, as did a silent auction and the drawing for the diamond horseshoe pendant donated each year by Marjorie Hughes. The memorable evening was generously sponsored by PNC, UPMC and MARC USA.

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