In episode 19 of his podcast Virziens, entrepreneur Armands Broks discusses with Sandi Voldiņš, chairman of the board of VSIA Latvian National Opera and Ballet. They discuss both why Latvia has so many talented musicians and the system of financing culture. S. Voldiņš reveals that the average operagoer in Latvia is young – around 40 years old. Children are brought to the opera by their parents, and some of them become regular operagoers. Speaking about the financing model of VSIA Latvian National Opera and Ballet, S. Voldiņš emphasizes that no opera troupe in Western Europe can exist without a state subsidy. In the case of Latvia, the state subsidy is 70%, which is on average less than elsewhere in Western Europe. S. Voldiņš believes that the wide price corridor has allowed for increasing revenues and achieving a historically high hall occupancy rate of 95–96%, while the industry norm is 80%. To A. Brokas' question about funding for culture, S. Voldiņš answers that it is in an adequate amount. Investments are being made in the sector, and the tax policy is also good. However, he believes that the financing model needs to be changed and the big, powerful players need to be strengthened. Otherwise, it is precisely for development that funding is lacking the most. S. Voldiņš emphasizes that opera is ultimately a company. Currently, the VSIA Latvian National Opera and Ballet Base is in a position to springboard for new ambitions. His great ambition is to create the best young vocalist program in the Baltics and the Nordic countries. S. Voldiņš explains that culture is a specific business, where one must know the system and be able to act professionally in it. In professional culture, an agency system has not been established in Latvia. Artists each try to deal with administrative matters, taxes and simultaneously implement their creative activities. However, such an approach prevents them from fully concentrating on creative work. A. Broks and S. Voldiņš also discuss why Latvia is a music powerhouse: Latvia is known all over the world because of Andris Nelsons, Marina Rebrka and Elīna Garanča. S. Voldiņš explains that Latvia has ample opportunities to study music – almost anyone can get to the top, almost without paying anything. In Latvia, these opportunities are greater than elsewhere. It is expensive, but it has results – that is why we have so many good musicians. — 00:00:00 The average opera goer 00:01:40 You really can't get used to the stage 00:02:28 Stage stress 00:04:35 Wide price corridor 00:06:55 No opera house can sustain itself 00:09:35 Funding for culture is adequate, but fragmented 00:14:50 The funding system in culture should be changed 00:18:55 Bureaucracy in the cultural system 00:21:46 The performance of the new Minister of Culture 00:25:00 Opera or ballet? 00:25:20 Achievements in the last five years 00:30:38 How to spot talent? 00:35:35 Why is Latvia so well known in the music world? 00:38:20 Cultural education system 00:42:54 S. Voldiņš's experience in music 00:44:57 What is it like to work in an opera? 00:48:14 Team management 00:52:01 Reading: 50 pages a day 00:55:28 Ambition: to return to the international professional scene 00:58:22 Opera for beginners 01:00:11 Direction of Latvia's development - Direction social networks: / direction_ / directionpodcast https://x.com/direction_ / direction - Host: Armands Broks Director and editor: Toms Harjo Theme research: Anda Asare Project management: Madara Kalme Social media management: Gundars Smuidris