(Photo credit: Royal Swedish Opera)

The National Property Board (Statens Fastighetsverk, SFV) has submitted a public report regarding an upcoming renovation to the Royal Swedish Opera House.

In the report, two different renovation proposals are presented. The first proposal is the “Pre-study” and the second is the “Alternative.” Both proposals that SFV presented involve departures from the Royal Swedish Opera’s set requirements and needs. The company’s reasoning for this is that modern technology and standards require space, and that certain set requirements are cost-driven.

The “Pre-study” plan requires that the entire Royal Swedish Orchestra move to Musikaliska Kvarteret, which would cause major logistical challenges. The Royal Swedish Opera would be responsible to pay rent for more premises and double costs for several service functions. This first option also would require the Opera House to remain closed to the Kungsträdgården, and does not give the ballet the full-sized halls that it needs.

The “Alternative” plan makes it possible to keep the Royal Swedish Orchestra in the opera house, and thus keep the artistic activity together. The plan also includes three ballet halls, a new second stage, and almost twice as many seats as in the “Pre-study,” and it has an audience foyer that provides opportunities for increased revenue. The “Alternative” plans allows for the Kungsträdgården to remain in the way it was originally intended – to increase accessibility and attractiveness.

Fredrik Lindgren, CEO of the Royal Swedish Opera said in a press release, “Now there are two proposals on the table. One puts the interest of the property owner first – one puts the Opera and our business in focus. For the Royal Swedish Opera, it goes without saying that the Alternative is the best alternative.” He continues by saying “We need a solution to the renovation of the Royal Opera House that is sustainable and effective for many years to come for the business, the daily operation, the employees, the audience and the taxpayers. The Alternative means that we get everything under one roof — an organization and culture that holds together. That’s how you build a business and create great art.”