Telenor and Bolshoi celebrate
Telenor Russia held a special pre-Christmas celebration party on 3 December in the world famous Bolshoi Theatre - the place synonymous with the Russian culture and classical ballet.
Some 80 invitees, including officials of the Russian and Norwegian state, business partners from Russia, Europe and the U.S, gathered in Bolshoi Theatre on 3rd December to attend Telenor Russia pre-Christmas party.
The event was held at the Atrium of the Bolshoi, a unique place rarely open to the public and for this event specially adorned with lit Telenor logos and a Telenor-branded Christmas tree. Telenor had the privilege to celebrate in the Atrium after earlier this year it signed a long-term partnership agreement with the Bolshoi, thus supporting the development of Russian historic and cultural heritage.
The festive atmosphere at Bolshoi Theatre
Bolshoi invited to Oslo Opera House
The evening was inaugurated with a congratulatory speech by the Head of Telenor Russia Kjell Morten Johnsen. He expressed gratitude to the Bolshoi Theatre for allowing Telenor to hold its Christmas party in its Atrium. In return, Mr Johnsen presented Bolshoi's Director Anatoly Iksanov with an invitation letter to visit the Oslo Opera House and surprise the Norwegian capital with its beautiful art. Telenor is a long-standing partner of the Norwegian National Theatre.
Bolshoi's Director Anatoly Iksanov and Head of Telenor Russia Kjell Morten Johnsen
Artists at heart
Mr Iksanov welcomed the idea of such a visit. He spoke highly of Telenor's support for cultural programs around the world, calling Telenor employees "artists at heart." He also expressed fondness for Telenor's logo and corporate colors. "I couldn't imagine that the Atrium can be decorated with such taste for a corporate event," he said, adding that he likes to see Telenor's logo on the banners and the programs of his theatre.
Knut Hauge, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Russiahighlighted the importance of Telenor's support to art in this country."I am very proud that Telenor, which is the largest telecommunications company in Norway and the largest foreign investor in Russian telecommunications, supports such important cultural institutions as the Bolshoi Theatre." Speaking of the Bolshoi, he said the theatre was not only important for Moscow or Russian cultural heritage, but for the whole Europe.
Following the speeches, guests enjoyed a concert of the Bolshoi's Brass Band, which performed classical as well as modern dance tunes