Masonic lodge in Christiania (Oslo)

This was the venue where Tellefsen performed most eagerly in Christiania (today’s Oslo); from 1846, he gave at least one concert a year there. It was also in the lodge's Ceremonial Hall that he gave his last performance in Norway, on 15 September 1864.

Tellefsen gave his first concert in the Small Hall on 9 July 1846, presenting himself as “Thomas Tellefsen, a student of Chopin”. Halfdan Kjerulf, a composer and music critic, wrote later that “it should be stated that this was indeed a student of Chopin performing in front of us, and a favourite one at that, who will soon bring honour to his master and to his homeland”. Before his parting performance in October the same year, Tellefsen was granted an audience with the Swedish-Norwegian king Oscar I, who honoured the event with his presence. That meant a higher income for the performer. Tellefsen played a concerto by Hummel, a fantasy on themes from Thalberg’s Moses and several mazurkas from his own opus 1.

During his next visit to Norway, in 1847, Tellefsen had with him an Erard piano, which he put up for auction. In this way, he wanted to collect funds to help him live and train in Paris. Unfortunately, the lottery concert on 26 August was a disappointment – despite the presence of the king and the royal family, the turnout was very poor.