The central Norwegian National Opera, or Den Norske Opera, hosts concerts and ballet as well as opera. The programme ranges from classics like Puccini to contemporary Scandinavian works, performed by Norwegian and international troupes.
Today the Norwegian National Opera has developed a varied spectrum of works that are performed on a regular basis. Puccini, Verdi, Strauss and Mozart are seasonal regulars. As well as presenting the work of the old masters, the National Opera also seeks to nurture and present music from the relatively few contemporary operatic composers in the country, such as Arne Nordheim. It also hosts ballet performances and concerts, announced in the daily press.
In the 1950s centuries of frustration among the leading intellectual and artistic lights of the country finally coalesced into the commitment to establish a permanent home for opera in the capital, an entity which could also help organise and coordinate activities and performances throughout the country. Since then it has expanded its activities, aiming to encourage and stimulate interest in opera as well as cementing relationships with operatic bodies throughout the rest of Europe and the world, placing Norway firmly on the international opera scene.