The expression took on a whole new meaning in Oslo over the weekend, when the Norwegian capital's brand new Opera House officially opened in a blaze of formalities and fireworks.
Royalty, a few foreign heads of state, government officials and local celebrities rubbed shoulders with politicians and even some ordinary citizens Saturday evening.
"This house shall now, and for many generations to come, be filled with song, music and dance," said King Harald in opening remarks during Saturday's opening gala. "In this framework of glass, stone and wood we've gained a place for major theatrical and musical events."
Queen Sonja, known as a lover of the arts, made an enthusiastic entrance, impulsively hugging the opera officials standing by to receive the royal guests. Arriving just before them were Crown Prince Haakon and Crown Princess Mette-Marit, Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden and Queen Margrethe of Denmark, which recently opened a new Opera House of its own.
Just ahead of them on the red carpet was Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg, who escorted visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel. She had flown into Oslo earlier in the day and could join in the applause for two German opera stars performing in the gala, Rene' Pape and Anja Harteros. Pape's planned performance from Don Carlo was a gift from the Metropolitan Opera in New York.
Praise for the Opera House's architecture and acoustics was widespread. Paul Curran, due to take over as chief of the Norwegian Opera, had no doubts the Opera House would be a grand success.
"I've worked at the opera in Sydney, in Covent Garden and several operas in Europe, but I think this is the most beautiful Opera House I've seen," Curran said. "For me, it's a great honour to be part of the future of this building."
Norwegian diva Wenche Foss, escorted by her son and Oslo Mayor Fabian Stang, was thrilled by the building itself and the pomp and circumstance surrounding it.
"This is huge! Huge!" she exclaimed as she made a sweeping entry, followed by a horde of reporters and photographers. "I never thought I'd experience this."
The opening of the Oslo Opera House has been called the biggest cultural event in Norway since the opening of the Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim in the Middle Ages. The building, designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, is an impressive mix of white marble and glass rising from the Oslo Fjord. Admirers say it symbolizes Norway's icebergs and vast wintry spaces.
Saturday's opening events culminated in a massive fireworks display just before midnight. People streamed back to the building on Sunday, when the Opera House reopened for tours and ticket sales.
By early afternoon, long lines had formed at the entrance and all tours of the interior were sold out. It was still possible, however, for the public to wander all around the building and to the top of its roof, which offers a new view of the fjord and eastern downtown.
Special performances will resume next weekend. The official opera season will open in August with a production of Porgy and Bess.
