See photos of the inaugural performance on Flickr. All photos may be freely used provided they are correctly credited.

“Once one has reached a certain age, experiences are the best gifts to receive,” said King Harald in his speech of thanks to the Storting. The speech marked the close of the inaugural performance at the newly opened stage in the Cavalier House at Oscarshall Summer Palace.

The Storting’s gift of two million kroner, earmarked for the renovation of the Cavalier House, was presented by Marit Nybakk, First Vice President of the Storting, in conjunction with the anniversary celebrations in January. The gift has funded the construction of a stage and accompanying facilities, which were put to use for the very first on 7^th June. A varied programme was attended by both the Royal Couple and the Crown Prince Couple.

Hoping it will be used

“The Queen and I have dreamt of using Oscarshall for cultural events,” said the King in his speech, adding that the Royal Couple are hoping that the stage will be used for a variety of artistic forms – not only by the people of Oslo, but by those from out of town as well.

And while the stage at the Cavalier House was being inaugurated, rain dripped from the brand new sunshade above.

Among those taking part were Morten Røhrt, Juni Dahr, Tine Thing Helseth, Tore Brunborg, Jarle Vespestad and Jarle G. Storløkken. Joining them were a group of dancers from Bårdar Dance Institute.

Built to promote culture

Oscarshall was completed in1852. The Summer Palace was built by King Oscar I and Queen Joséphine to support and promote Norwegian art and handicrafts. Oscarshall is home to works by some of Norway’s most prominent mid-19^th Century artists, and is now considered to be the nation’s most important monument to National Romanticism.

Oscarshall has been in public ownership since 1863 and is managed by the Royal Household.

“If the Storting’s gift helps to tempt the public back to this little city gem, it would make us extremely happy. We also hope that the facilities here will be a valuable and worthwhile addition to the Royal Couple’s contribution to Norwegian artistic and cultural life,” Olemic Thommessen, President of the Storting, concluded in his speech.