Estonia National Opera lays off casting planner Helen Lepalaan

Estonia’s national opera house has laid off casting planner Helen Lepalaan after reorganising its opera department, ERR reported, citing Eesti Ekspress. General director Ott Maaten confirmed the decision to the newspaper.

Maaten said the planner’s position had been eliminated and her duties divided among other employees and the opera house’s artistic director.

The move follows allegations reported by Eesti Ekspress over the summer. Mezzo-soprano Monika-Evelin Liiv wrote to the opera house’s supervisory board claiming Lepalaan gave paid singing lessons to Estonia soloists while also deciding which performers received roles. The Police and Border Guard Board ended an investigation into Lepalaan after finding no criminal offence in her actions.

Lepalaan told Klassikaraadio over the summer that she had given paid lessons to one permanent company artist and one guest soloist. She said she had asked for a meeting with singers and management after hearing rumours that performers could obtain roles by paying her, but the meeting did not take place.

Several weeks ago, opera house soloists sent the supervisory board a critical letter calling for Maaten to step down, citing a complete lack of trust. They said their disagreements with Lepalaan were a main concern and that promises made after their last meeting with Maaten had not been fulfilled. The soloists also objected to plans for new staff, including a human resources manager and an opera department head, to take responsibility for addressing the problems.