Nestled in the heart of the city, Oslo Concert Hall is a regular venue for top quality concerts including numerous performances by the brilliant Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. This is Oslo's number one classical music venue but its program is certainly not limited to one particular style of music. Performances by regional and international artistes are hosted here. Home to two music halls and various practice rooms, this venue can accommodate over 3000 guests at a time. Over 200,000 visitors enjoy shows here annually.
Black is the color of choice here, and the walls were those of Oslo's city swimming pool in the 1930s. Rockefeller is the main concert venue for both local and famous bands that prefer a more intimate setting for gigs. With a capacity of 1350 people, Rockefeller is also used for TV shows, rock cinema, literature evenings and various club nights. Even though it can accommodate more than 1000 people, the atmosphere is still intimate because the venue is split into several levels. Special events are held throughout the year here and at John Doe, its sister spot. There's also a third concert space, Sentrum Scene. Claim a cozy nightspot for a cold winter's night. Check out the website for what is going on at the moment.
Every city has its legendary spots, and the Zebra Pub in Oslo was one of them. Now in that space, John DEE Live Club & Pub is one of the most successful small music stages around. Located in the same building as its big brother, Rockefeller, John Dee is an intimate and warm venue. There are special events and concerts scheduled throughout the year, even during the chilly winter months. Come early if you want a seat.
Norway's largest indoor concert hall can seat an audience of up to 10,000 people. Ever since its construction in 1990, Oslo Spektrum has been used for rock and pop concerts such as Bruce Springsteen, Elton John and Sting, big-time shows like Disney on Ice, political rallies, trade fairs and sports competitions. All the facilities are state of the art, as is the architecture of the building, designed by Guttorm Guttormsgaard. Over 400,000 guests enjoy the concert hall's excellent shows and facilities annually.
Inspired by the Norwegian wilderness, the Oslo Opera House is a marvel of modern architecture and the home of the Norwegian National Opera and Ballet. The glass facade of the playhouse is embraced by a marble roof that swoops down to its base in a graceful arch, inviting the audience to take a walk on the roof and drink in sweeping views of the waterfront. Inside, the spacious hall is a tapestry of textures and patterns designed by local artists; a visual and tactile experience that mimics the country's natural wonders. The concert hall itself is illuminated by a moon-like chandelier of hand-cast glass bars, beneath which sprawls a horseshoe chamber replete in wood. On stage, the Oslo Opera House hosts a diverse program of the performing arts, showcasing classical performances alongside contemporary renditions by some of the world's best-known artists. A cultural and artistic pearl, the Oslo Opera House is a contemporary wonder that was built to be touched by the masses.
Fabrikken was launched in 2000 and is a multifunctional venue in downtown Oslo. Contemporary music lovers can look forward to the concerts held often in their concert hall. While the premises is given out on rent for cultural events, exhibitions, corporate events and conferences, private dining facilities can be also availed here. Fabrikken is a chic place with a good music system and is completely equipped to make any event successful.
Månefisken, which in English means 'Moon Fish', stands by the serene Aker River, in the Sagene area of Oslo. What began as a quaint little location for textile weaving, cultural workshops, small functions or parties, has evolved into one of the premier event spaces of the city. Månefisken houses the gorgeous Moon Hall, the fabulous Café Månefisken, a bar, a hall pillar and a forge. The main hall stages concerts, theater, conferences and has a capacity of about 350 people. The Pillar Hall is much smaller and is mostly used for corporate galas and dinners.
The Norwegian Music School at Majorstua puts on regular concerts all year round. The performances (many of which are actually exams) are given by the students and are often free of charge to the general public. The program is varied and also includes premieres and special events that take place in the 200-seat Lindeman Hall or the 100-seat Levin Hall. Most major concerts are advertised in the local press while details of smaller concerts appear on the school's website. In general, the concerts are of an extremely high standard.