Andrejs Zagars: I want to run the LNO, and I have plans for three years

LNO has come up with an extensive artistic plan for the anniversary year of Richard Wagner, Giuseppe Verdi and Benjamin Britten, as well as for the building's 230th anniversary. The opera has also started preparing for 2014, when Riga will become the European Capital of Culture, and LNO will stage a series of unprecedented and original Latvian performances. Talks on LNO productions in 2015, when Latvia will preside over the EU, are also under way.

The Culture Ministry, even though its commission set up to evaluate candidates for LNO's managing director agreed unanimously in December 2011 to nominate Zagars for a new term in office (three years), has offered him a new contract - for a period of just one year. "I do not know the reasons behind this, however, it is possible that the position is meant for one of the culture minister's advisers, who still cannot assume it for eight months due to a conflict of interest," said Zagars.

"I will plan my life for this year and I will assess other opportunities I may have," said Zagars. He has received the ministry's contract and a supplementary agreement. According to the agreement, Zagars will be responsible for lawful, economic and efficient utilization of the state budget funding for the opera . He will also have to draft and fulfill the opera's development strategy, set its annual goals and determine the necessary resources to achieve them.

"I want to agree with the Culture Ministry that the state will cover LNO employees' average salaries and taxes, as well as the building's maintenance costs. The opera would then use its own and sponsors' means to implement its artistic program, pay for all new productions and special concerts. Such distribution would be ideal," explained Zagars.

LETA