First time at the opera
First time at the opera? Here are some answers to the most commonly asked questions, but do feel free to get in touch!
ACOUSTIC
Opera is always performed without any microphones, making it the ultimate unplugged-experience. To hear a single voice carry to the very end of Grieghallen, over the orchestra, is a wonderful experience.
OUTFIT
Wear jeans if you feel like it, or dress up. Whatever your choice, you will feel at home amongst our truly diverse audience members.
In this video our General and Artistic Director, Eivind Gullberg Jensen, plays around with various outfits (Norwegian language):
APPLAUSE
No need to be shy! If you really like a singer's performance you can show it by applauding. If that does not cover it, shout 'bravo', whistle or stamp the floor. However, it is best to wait until the singer has finished. In addition, it is normal to applaud after each act and after the show. Here, you can give a standing ovation if you like.
ARIA
The icing on the opera-cake, so to speak, is when a soloist performs a song alone - an aria. An opera often contains several arias and many have become great hits. You might recognise a song which you didn't know comes from the opera you are watching. An aria is often tailor-made to make sure the singer stretches their voice as far as possible - this is musical extreme sport! You are guaranteed to be impressed when a soprano reaches the High C – or maybe even higher.
STORYTELLING
Opera is storytelling through music, stories that everyone can relate to and be moved by.
THE PLOT
You don't have to know the storyline of the opera before you arrive, surtitles are provided, but we do advise that you read the synopsis in advance in order to highten your experience. This can be found on our website bno.no, on the opera's program page. Here you will also find examples of the music.
We provide surtitles in Norwegian and sometimes also in English. You can purchase a printed programme prior to the performance, which contains the synopsis and accompanying photographs and biographies of the singers, this is however in Norwegian.
REFRESHMENTS
At Grieghallen you can purchase food and drink both before the performance and during the interval. To avoid the queue, you can pre-order directly from their website (click here to be redirected). You may also bring a drink purchased in Grieghallen back to your seat for the performance - but please take care if you put your glass down so you don't accidentally end up disturbing the performance.
Feel free to contact us at info@bno.no if we haven't covered your particular query.
Welcome to the opera!
