When Helle Solberg took over as CEO of the Norrlands Opera in the spring of 2024, she faced a clear challenge: to maintain quality and programming despite reduced resources. Norrlandsoperan’s finances have long been eroded because government funding has not kept pace with rising costs. This is a challenge shared by all of the country’s cultural institutions.
– Umeå is the municipality in Sweden that invests the most in culture, and this is based on a genuine interest in and belief in the importance of culture for society. We have a fantastic selection of performing arts in Umeå, and the Norrlandsoperan also tours with performances, concerts, and workshops throughout Västerbotten. But the strained budget is a huge challenge to our ability to continue delivering world-class performing arts, says Helle Solberg.
“You’ll be able to see and hear the results of your donation right there on the spot”
One step toward increasing self-financing is the Norrlandsoperan’s new Instrument Fund, which is now being launched for the general public. Through this fund, individuals and companies have the opportunity to donate money directly toward the purchase of new instruments for the Norrlandsoperan Symphony Orchestra.
– We have a world-class orchestra that plays on very valuable instruments.
With about 50 musicians in the orchestra pit, there is a constant need to update the instruments, and this represents a significant expense for the Norrlandsoperan.
– Through the Norrlandsoperan Instrument Fund, anyone can make a donation—large or small—toward the purchase of instruments so that our musicians can continue to play on the best instruments. All donations go to the Instrument Fund; in other words, you’ll be able to see and hear the results of your donation right there.
Anyone who would like to make a small donation when purchasing a ticket can simply check a box during checkout. If you’d like to make a larger donation, please fill out a form, and the Norrlandsoperan will contact you.
– We gratefully accept all donations; they help us maintain the high quality of our symphony orchestra. But most importantly, please continue to attend our fantastic performances.
Text: Jonas Pekkari
