Last Thursday we joined patrons and supporters of the Choral Arts Society of Washington for an exclusive pre-gala reception at the Embassy of Finland. We snapped this year's Gala Chair and Levick's Julie Chase with past board chair Nicholas Smith and current board chair Nadine Wethington.

Guests enjoyed an open bar and passed Finnish-inspired appetizers. Here are Deva Consulting Group's George Tzamaras and his wife, accountant Irene Tzamaras, with On The Marc Media's Kathy Fowler.

The Embassy of Finland, in conjunction with Finland's centennial celebration, is this year's honorary patron for the annual Holiday Concert and Gala. Here, choristers Camille Lively, Heather MacDonald, Brandon Straub and Ed Hoover perform a selection of Finnish pieces to the delight of those present.

The Finnish Embassy, on Mass Ave. across from the Naval Observatory, is one of the most beautiful and unique embassies in all of Washington. Having a very Finnish contemporary design, the building is surrounded by large trees, giving it a "cabin in the woods" feel. It was also the first embassy in the U.S. to receive LEED certification. Here: supporters Dale Koepenick, Jim Shaeffer and Carolyn Purcell enjoying the reception.

Here Choral Arts' Caryn Fraim joins Facil'iti CEO Nathan Regan, MedStar Washington Hospital Center's Vice President of Philanthropy Emily Riffle and Harbor Lane Associates President John Melnicki.