Põlda says opera letter did not seek Maaten’s removal

Estonian National Opera soloist Heldur Harry Põlda said a letter sent to the opera’s council did not call for director Ott Maaten to be removed from his job, ERR reported.

In an interview with ERR’s Aktuaalne kaamera, Põlda said media reports had misrepresented the letter. He said the soloists had no authority to dictate the council’s decisions, which include the running of the opera.

The letter asked whether recent problems had been resolved satisfactorily and whether the soloists trusted the process, Põlda said. They wanted changes on specific issues where they had not seen satisfactory results, and wanted those issues addressed without delay.

Põlda said the soloists expected clear decisions and people to take responsibility. He called for open communication and a more modern management style, adding that conflicts should be resolved through dialogue rather than in silence. The soloists have not yet spoken with Maaten, he said.

Asked about claims that staff feared losing their jobs, Põlda said people experienced fear differently and that unresolved conflicts could fuel it. He said he hoped they could overcome the fear together and find a solution.