The Royal Opera's CEO Fredrik Lindgren is positively inclined towards the government's green light to proceed with the renovation of the opera house in Stockholm.
It's pleasing that we can move forward quickly with the work on the opera house's future and that the planning of the development of the house will continue, he says to TT.
We are also happy that it has been realized that the artistic activities in the house must be kept together and that it has been understood as unrealistic to divide the activities. It's a clear step forward, even though we haven't reached the goal, he continues.
According to Fredrik Lindgren, the National Property Board has given a clear message that areas will be freed up in the existing house to create rehearsal spaces for the Royal Court Orchestra and the ballet, and also to open up for a new entrance towards the King's Garden.
But it needs to become clearer how the house will be developed, with a larger extension. There, the government has indicated that they are open to private forces contributing to the financing, and we are fully ready to take on that challenge.
One will now begin to sound out the terrain among potential sponsors, donors, and foundations. But who it might concern, Fredrik Lindgren leaves unsaid.
I don't want to speculate about it, but we'll take it on in a structured and full-speed manner.
How will you plan for the activities during the time when the Royal Opera is closed?
It's a work that will take many years, and we'll get back to that. We're working feverishly on it. Here, we want the National Property Board as the landlord of the opera house to be involved and find the solutions required, as a responsible landlord.