46th Petroushka Ball at the Waldorf-Astoria: Dinner, Opera Stars and Dancing to Benefit Disadvantaged Russian Children

NEW YORK, Feb. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The 46th Annual Petroushka Ball will take place on February 11th at the historic Waldorf-Astoria Grand Ballroom. Close to 700 guests are planning to attend this black and white-tie benefit, which will feature a stunning array of performances from a number of critically acclaimed and internationally recognized performers.

The festivities will commence with an elegant cocktail reception, after which all guests will enjoy a magnificent dinner accompanied by performances from Metropolitan Opera stars Maija Kovalevska and Piotr Beczala. This season, Maija and Piotr are performing the two leading roles in La Boheme at the Met. The fete will be capped off with the music of the Lester Lanin Orchestra, under the baton of Spencer Bruno, as well as with the sounds of the Barynya Balalaika Orchestra. There will be other surprises including a performance of a Russian song by a very talented youngster.

The Annual Petroushka Ball is the primary fundraising event for the Russian Children's Welfare Society (RCWS). What began in 1965 as a small tea dance designed to raise money for disadvantaged Russian children, has grown into New York's foremost Russian-American event, attended by the city's business, artistic, and diplomatic elites. Past Petroushka Balls have featured leading soloists of the Metropolitan Opera, the American Ballet Theatre, Bolshoi Theater, and other eminent companies.

Alfa-Banking Group, Maserati, Deutsche Bank, Damiani, Estee Lauder Companies, Transaero, Confident Care Corp, Loeb Partners Realty LLC, G.A.S. and Mari Vanna will join this year's Petroushka Ball as sponsors. Maserati, one of the most exclusive car manufacturers in the world, will display the exquisitely sleek GranTurismo Convertible in the Silver Corridor of the Waldorf-Astoria. Established in 1924, Damiani is one of the most recognized and sought after fine jewelers in the world with a longstanding tradition of exquisite artisanship. Founded in 1990, Alfa-Banking Group is Russia's top private banks, offering a wide range of products and operating in all sectors of the financial market.

This year, Pomega5 is graciously supplying our gift bags with their unique products. Merging ancient medicine and modern science with biodynamic farming, the Pomega5 line treats skin and whole body wellness with a holistic approach.

Founded in 1926, the RCWS focuses all its efforts on improving the lives of disadvantaged children in Russia by supporting orphanages, homeless shelters, hospitals, rehabilitation centers for disabled children and schools.  Net proceeds from the 46th Petroushka Ball will be distributed across the spectrum of RCWS's programs. Please visit our charity's web site at www.rcws.org for additional information.

SOURCE RusInfoService