History
It started almost 40 years ago
The very first idea for the opera ball was set in motion by
Bjørn Einar Sakseid, a Mozart-loving science student at UiO back in 1986
when he invited 50 friends to a performance at Den Norske Opera.
The following year this grew to 250 guests, most still
students, but also some professors and others. The event had grown
Opera performance followed by party at Sognsvann.
After another Mozart opera followed by Mozart-nachspiel i
a nightclub at the Saga cinema finally got history's first "Opera Ball" to see today
light. This time in the Rococo hall at the Grand. Many were now stylishly dressed
in Mozart's style, dance classes held, and the university's rector at the time, Inge
Salary, join the dance.
In 1989, Gamle Logen was restored and the opera ballet begins
similar to today's, with opera performances, torchlight processions and entertainment in all halls.
After a few years, the Oslo Symphony Orchestra also joined the team with minuets, waltz,
gallop, deutsche tanze etc. and Tarantella on the program (the latter now moved
down to the Strangersalen on the 1st floor due to the risk of the floor breaking..)
CONTINUING A PROUD TRADITION
Today, the opera ball is organized by talkative artists,
zealots with a heart for culture and partying, and not least of the second generation
Tower sailors.
From 2012 to 2023, there were a bunch of enthusiasts
prom queens who continued the proud legacy of "Det Norske
Studentersamfund", the student association Tårnseilerne, and finally
The cultural enthusiasts (2003-2011). The latter under the leadership of Gjøril Songvoll,
founder and prime mover of Oslo Opera Festival - opera for the people.
The Opera Ball is a unique event, open to anyone who wants to go to the ball, and with rooms
for expression both for musicians, dancers and others who want to experience a magic
evening where you can afford to dress up and live out your dream for an evening.
If you want more detailed information about Operaballet's history, you can find more here,
or contact Tårnseilerne at Brynjar Landsmark.
At the opera ball, you get a unique opportunity to dance under chandeliers
classical music played by the Oslo Symphony Orchestra. There will be dancing i.a.
• polonaise
• waltz
• ice skater waltz
• gallop
• minuet
• tarantella
• troika
Everyone should be able to keep up with the dance.
Dance classes will be arranged before the ball, and at the ball too
be a dance master who gives short instructions along the way. Otherwise it is too
many who choose to watch only the often special and highly entertaining dances...
Video from the Opera Ball in 1994
