Musical terminology describes an overture as an instrumental piece introducing a more complex work. Our 11th Annual Capital Awards Gala, Classical Overtures, could not have been more aptly named.

The Music Center at Strathmore, set amidst lush surroundings and enclosed in soaring glass, provided a beautiful venue for this celebration. Open only a little over one year, this venue houses top performances in their contemporary, state-of-the-art Concert Hall. This year’s Capital Gala Awards was an extraordinary combination of the ISES DC event community working closely with this unusual venue, to produce an exciting Gala event complete with a lively reception, distinguished Awards Ceremony, and an energized post-party extravaganza.

A live jazz ensemble greeted guests as they arrived in the main lobby and registration area. The entranceway also showcased an impressive crimson-colored floral arrangement set in a twig-entwined gazebo which ignited the imagination. In classic form, the first event of the evening was a private VIP reception for award nominees and board members. This reception was held in the Comcast Circles Lounge, a curved room of warm wood, granite countertops and moss green carpet. Savory hors d’ouevres, champagne in slender vessels and conversation flowed with equal abandon.

The main cocktail reception, held in the Gazette Promenade, was a moving feast of passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails in shapely stemware. Specialty drinks included champagne cocktails with pear liqueur and grappa martinis. Restaurant Associates, the exclusive caterer of The Music Center at Strathmore, provided the reception cuisine and specialty drinks. Restaurant Associates has a reputation for uncompromising quality and caters for some of the nation's most spectacular cultural centers and world-class museums.

The melodious sound of steel drums filled the airwaves while whimsical, performing arts mini-presentations dotted the landscape. One vignette featured The Washington Ballet performing an excerpt from the Nutcracker accompanied by a trio of strings. The atmosphere was very lively as guests and nominees viewed the award submissions displayed in the Promenade corridor. The minimalism of the elegant décor heightened the senses while remaining sophisticated and understated.

A lush, silver chaise lounge and geometric ottomans adorned the Promenade area, highlighted in sumptuous shades of chartreuse and ivory. Much of the furniture was draped with shimmering, translucent fabrics, thus proving that linens do not need to remain on the table. Stylistic brushed silver tables were accented with yellow and pink tulips set in simple square vases. Of particular interest was a fabulous floral structure over the main bar bedecked with tons of roses, hanging amaranthys, and finished with a violinist on a swing.

As the reception ended, guests were lead into the Concert Hall through the lower lobby where a live jazz ensemble accentuated the excitement of the upcoming awards. The stage was adorned in a simple wash of crimson lighting that complimented the modern architectural features. The sleek translucent podium seemed to mirror the curvaceous, coveted ISES award. In validation of “less is more,” the only stage décor was a single, elegant, floral display.

In keeping with an ISES DC tradition, Tim Lundy, CSEP and an international event planner, was our master of ceremonies. His company, Distinctive Design Events, has produced events for top Fortune 500 Companies from all over the world. As with previous galas, Tim’s presence provided continuity while allowing this awards ceremony to reveal its own unique identity. One special element of this ceremony was its smooth fluidity, punctuated by the excitement of the nominees, award winners, friends, family and colleagues.

The awards ceremony opened with a mesmerizing performance that was both spectacular and sublime. Strathmore’s impressive main stage overflowed from the energy of a single tap dancer and bassist. Part of the marvel may have been that so few of us have ever seen a professional, live tap dance performance. It was the perfect beginning to a very polished awards ceremony.

A refreshing aspect of the ceremony was the array of sponsors who presented award categories and nominees. Various personalities brought the ceremony to life as nominees were announced and the all-important envelope was opened. It was interesting to reflect that many presenters were new members of our chapter, as were some award recipients. A grand piano and three-piece band kept pace with the ceremony and heightened the excitement. On a fanciful note, the music sometimes reflected the award category, such as "Hit me with your best shot" for Best Photographer.

While the Capital awards are all about competing – and hopefully winning – a broader perspective was evident. Many winners mentioned a keen appreciation of the other professionals nominated in their category and the sheer honor of being nominated. Likewise, acceptance speeches acknowledged the role of key vendors and others who collaborated on the winning event.

Click here for a complete list of the 2006 winners.

Click here for a complete list of current and previous winners.

After an evening of awards, brilliant entertainment and being immersed in the arts, the event transformed itself into an elegant and cozy cocktail party. Guests exiting the Concert Hall melted into a posh tented space decorated with chaise lounges and oversized ottomans. Ingenious seating included round, white poufs that encouraged conviviality and relaxed dining options. The space was accented by floating candles, merlot and chartreuse colored accessories and eye-catching floral arrangements, some in narrow, cone-shaped containers. Vibrant music and sleek bodied, professional dancers enticed guests onto the dance floor.

Restaurant Associates’ sumptuous cuisine "action stations," set up in the tented outdoor terrace and the lower lobby overflowed with an imaginative array of entrées and savory sauces, exquisite side dishes and crisp crackers. The Chef’s specialty station, an Asian Latin Fusion Station, especially delighted the palate with a fusion of flavors including succulent Asian dumplings and rolls, and tri-color ceviche shooters.

Guests commented on the attention to detail and unexpected surprises: the fantastic, suspended ice sculpture chandelier; the violinist on a rope swing; elegant signage; and the red carpet valet service. The professionalism of the volunteers and their contribution to the flow of the event did not go unnoticed. Other comments revolved around the imaginative, singing invitation delivered on a CD and the special invitations for the VIP reception. A personal favorite was the event program with its unique square shape and subtle, recurrent design motifs.

Behind-the-scenes elements were equally polished. The conceptual vision, impressive management, and flawless execution of this event is to be credited to Gala Chair Kathy Taylor of Personal Parties, Plus and Co-Chair Kelley Freeman of Carte Blanche, LLC. Securing and managing sponsors must also be acknowledged, as sponsorship is key to an event of this scale. Our sponsors brought this production to life. Photographers and videographers were on the scene to record and commemorate.

This truly amazing production was the melodious orchestration of many talented individuals and sponsors working toward a common goal in celebration of our industry and in pursuit of excellence. Please consider our sponsors when planning your next event.

Check out the photo gallery for a view of the venue and participants.

Special thanks to our sponsors. Click here for a complete list.