Norwegian Opera & Ballet

Opera Director Randi Stene, appointed Music Director Edward Gardner and Ballet Director Ingrid Lorentzen. Photo: Agnete Brun

Norwegian National Opera & Ballet is the country’s largest institution for music and the dramatic arts, and presents operas, ballets and concerts of the highest artistic quality. Norwegian National Opera & Ballet consists of opera and ballet companies, in addition to Orchestra, Chorus, Children’s Chorus and Ballet School. As the only national institution within its art forms, Norwegian National Opera & Ballet also contributes to the further development of creative and producing opera and ballet activities across the country. The institution is organised as a limited company and is wholly-owned by the Norwegian state.

Norwegian National Opera is Norway's only professional opera ensemble and was founded in 1959 with Kirsten Flagstad as its first Director. In 2008 it moved into the new Opera House, consisting of three stages, advanced stage machinery and excellent acoustics. Opera Director is Randi Stene. Ballet Director is Ingrid Lorentzen. Edward Gardner is appointed as the next Music Director, beginning his tenure in 2024. Gardner currently serves the position as Artistic Advisor.