Opera, Downtown's Latest Lounge, Designed to Be 'Ultra'

Downtown's newest nightclub with high ambitions opened Aug. 25 at 14th and Eye Streets, N.W. Opera Ultra Lounge is the creation of managing partners John Alexiades, Mood Bacho, Alex Haje and Walid Zeytoun. They called on some heavy hitters on the entertainment scene: interior design by Francois Frossard, a Funktion One sound system from Sound Investment and BAHA Design Group, and Michael Meacham's iDesign lighting.

Opera's goal is to "shatter the mold of D.C. nightclubs by offering a full entertainment schedule, including both club-driven DJ bookings and live entertainment from Jazz bands to acoustic performances." Bacho offered something of a mission statement for Opera: "Nightclubs are about fantasy and mystery. They are meant to transport you with an uplifting experience and excite and stimulate your senses in a world of sound, light, fashion and fantasy where you can escape your normal life even if only for a few hours. True nightclubs have the X-factor, a unique chemistry and develop a culture with their guests and employees. We are proud to say that Opera was designed to deliver this experience. Opera is not simply a club; it is the theater of life."

Opera has soft openings this week; it is open Wednesday through Saturday -- 1400 I Street, N.W. -- 202-289-1400.