Comments on: Suomen Kansallisooppera avoids 500,000€ loss thanks to private donation! http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/ Politics, current events, culture - From Finland & United States Mon, 13 Oct 2008 05:24:31 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6.2 By: Hank W. http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-321069 Hank W. Fri, 23 Mar 2007 08:11:40 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-321069 Ah, no wonder I was wondering where I read this crap, on the crapper. Taloussanomat had the pie: Opera Budget 2006 57,2 million euros 74,6% Ministry of Education allotted Veikkaus funds. 16,7% Tickets 7,7% Helsinki Metropolitan Area counties 1,0% Private Sponsors Ah, no wonder I was wondering where I read this crap, on the crapper. Taloussanomat had the pie:
Opera Budget 2006 57,2 million euros
74,6% Ministry of Education allotted Veikkaus funds.
16,7% Tickets
7,7% Helsinki Metropolitan Area counties
1,0% Private Sponsors

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320846 Anonymous Thu, 22 Mar 2007 20:14:46 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320846 Why not distribute the Opera money directly to the people in the form of tax cuts and let them decide themselves how to spend it. Could it be that the minitry of culture thinks that Opera is better culture than what the stupid common folks want? Why not distribute the Opera money directly to the people in the form of tax cuts and let them decide themselves how to spend it. Could it be that the minitry of culture thinks that Opera is better culture than what the stupid common folks want?

]]> By: kylmä totuus http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320746 kylmä totuus Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:46:44 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320746 Ah.. the fat lady sang and you finally returned. To deliver the crushing blow that of course it's cheap in Helsinki because the quality sucks. But simultaneously ignoring the fact that in #7 it was quite clearly stated that 75% of funding comes from revenue from gambling, and not from direct or indirect taxation out of your rather deep pockets. Or that the funding of places such as Covent Garden by the wealthy patrons does nothing to make it any easier for the hoi polloi to attend these "extravagances". Let them watch "Salatut elämät"! Ah.. the fat lady sang and you finally returned. To deliver the crushing blow that of course it’s cheap in Helsinki because the quality sucks. But simultaneously ignoring the fact that in #7 it was quite clearly stated that 75% of funding comes from revenue from gambling, and not from direct or indirect taxation out of your rather deep pockets. Or that the funding of places such as Covent Garden by the wealthy patrons does nothing to make it any easier for the hoi polloi to attend these “extravagances”.

Let them watch “Salatut elämät”!

]]> By: Kristian http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320740 Kristian Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:37:48 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320740 Janne: "<i>Of course, prices of performances depend on who is performing and who did the choreography among other things.</i>" Yes, I agree. As with many things, there are different levels of quality. Generally, I find that in Finland, you pay for things twice; once via over-taxation and then once again via a per-use fee. There's no advantage to it. Janne: “Of course, prices of performances depend on who is performing and who did the choreography among other things.”

Yes, I agree. As with many things, there are different levels of quality.

Generally, I find that in Finland, you pay for things twice; once via over-taxation and then once again via a per-use fee. There’s no advantage to it.

]]> By: kylmä totuus http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320635 kylmä totuus Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:58:56 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320635 Of course, ummm...dog parks could be privately funded, too. :) Not sure if I want to see my hard-earned tax euros go on pooch parad-... oh, forget it. I can't be bothered. :) The re-acclimatisation process is almost complete, I see. Hardly seems possible I could have read this just over a year ago: "I remain jet lagged, tired and dazed from the trip so it will be a few more days before returning to my old tired and lazy self. I have a renewed appreciation for my adopted home that only spending two weeks in the heartland of flyover country with it's miles of strip malls, massive SUVs and nearly ubiquitous "Support Our Troops" ribbons on their bumpers could provide. It was good to see my family, but I'm glad to be home again." And don't get me wrong, I'm glad to see it. Getting stuck with one foot on either side of the Atlantic is a painful and all-too-common complaint. Of course, ummm…dog parks could be privately funded, too. :) Not sure if I want to see my hard-earned tax euros go on pooch parad-… oh, forget it. I can’t be bothered. :)

The re-acclimatisation process is almost complete, I see. Hardly seems possible I could have read this just over a year ago:

“I remain jet lagged, tired and dazed from the trip so it will be a few more days before returning to my old tired and lazy self. I have a renewed appreciation for my adopted home that only spending two weeks in the heartland of flyover country with it’s miles of strip malls, massive SUVs and nearly ubiquitous “Support Our Troops” ribbons on their bumpers could provide. It was good to see my family, but I’m glad to be home again.”

And don’t get me wrong, I’m glad to see it. Getting stuck with one foot on either side of the Atlantic is a painful and all-too-common complaint.

]]> By: hfb http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320626 hfb Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:39:03 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320626 Well, the state giving money to the opera beats spending 60,000 euro on blocks of ice as 'art' in the summertime. The arts should be primarily privately funded through ticket sales and fundraising but I didn't think such philanthropic pursuits really existed in Finland either because few have the money or everyone believes the state will fund everything. Well, the state giving money to the opera beats spending 60,000 euro on blocks of ice as ‘art’ in the summertime. The arts should be primarily privately funded through ticket sales and fundraising but I didn’t think such philanthropic pursuits really existed in Finland either because few have the money or everyone believes the state will fund everything.

]]> By: kylmä totuus http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320624 kylmä totuus Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:36:46 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320624 But Kristian wants to be able (if he feels like it) to contribute PERSONALLY - get his name on the "Playbill" back page as a Senior Patron who's shelled out ten grand as a Friend of Covent Garden or a Friend of the Met, while he also pays a couple of hundred bucks for the privilege of actually attending the show... He doesn't BELIEVE in taxes. They drive people off to expensive opera countries, for a start. But Kristian wants to be able (if he feels like it) to contribute PERSONALLY - get his name on the “Playbill” back page as a Senior Patron who’s shelled out ten grand as a Friend of Covent Garden or a Friend of the Met, while he also pays a couple of hundred bucks for the privilege of actually attending the show…

He doesn’t BELIEVE in taxes. They drive people off to expensive opera countries, for a start.

]]> By: Janne http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320622 Janne Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:31:35 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320622 Kristian, to add a bit more facts to your statement: Helsinki opera prices are similar or cheaper to European or American opera theaters. In Helsinki, single tickets range from 18 to 80 for premieres and to 62 euros for other performances. In Paris or New York, prices range from 20-30 to 140 euros. In Milan, prices are similar. In London, they range from 10 euros (if you are standing) to 140-240 euros (depending on the performance). Of course, prices of performances depend on who is performing and who did the choreography among other things. Kristian, to add a bit more facts to your statement:

Helsinki opera prices are similar or cheaper to European or American opera theaters.

In Helsinki, single tickets range from 18 to 80 for premieres and to 62 euros for other performances.

In Paris or New York, prices range from 20-30 to 140 euros.

In Milan, prices are similar.

In London, they range from 10 euros (if you are standing) to 140-240 euros (depending on the performance).

Of course, prices of performances depend on who is performing and who did the choreography among other things.

]]> By: kylmä totuus http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320620 kylmä totuus Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:29:11 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320620 Perhaps you should go more often, but if you bet on the ponies like you bet on opera prices, I'm not surprised you are short of a bob or two for leisure time pursuits. Perhaps you should go more often, but if you bet on the ponies like you bet on opera prices, I’m not surprised you are short of a bob or two for leisure time pursuits.

]]> By: kylmä totuus http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320618 kylmä totuus Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:26:50 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320618 I'll take your bet. Though I'll need to see the colour of your money - don't want any of those dodgy DDR notes made out of Trabant bodywork. Chatelet in Paris, top price EUR 120, Deutsche Oper EUR 112, La Scala EUR 170, ROH London 170 POUNDS... Helsinki EUR 95, Stockholm Royal Swedish around EUR 60 - 80, Oslo EUR 60-70, Copenhagen EUR 93 I’ll take your bet. Though I’ll need to see the colour of your money - don’t want any of those dodgy DDR notes made out of Trabant bodywork.

Chatelet in Paris, top price EUR 120, Deutsche Oper EUR 112, La Scala EUR 170, ROH London 170 POUNDS…

Helsinki EUR 95, Stockholm Royal Swedish around EUR 60 - 80, Oslo EUR 60-70, Copenhagen EUR 93

]]> By: Anzi http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320617 Anzi Thu, 22 Mar 2007 12:23:50 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320617 <i>I’ll bet entrance fees to the Finnish Opera actually are actually higher than those in the rest of Europe…….</i> Not according to my experience. I’ll bet entrance fees to the Finnish Opera actually are actually higher than those in the rest of Europe…….

Not according to my experience.

]]> By: Kristian http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320589 Kristian Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:06:20 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320589 I'll bet entrance fees to the Finnish Opera actually are actually higher than those in the rest of Europe.......despite all the taxes we pay. It always seems to work that way here in the Nordics. It's one of the many not-so-hidden costs of chasing away capital wealth. I’ll bet entrance fees to the Finnish Opera actually are actually higher than those in the rest of Europe…….despite all the taxes we pay. It always seems to work that way here in the Nordics.

It’s one of the many not-so-hidden costs of chasing away capital wealth.

]]> By: Punter http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320586 Punter Thu, 22 Mar 2007 11:02:19 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320586 #7- "So its all them grannies playing the one-armed bandits in Prisma and the yobs playing ice hockey bets thats funding the Opera." Does that mean I can get in with a used Keno ticket? What about a scratched ässä arpa? ;) ;) ;) #7- “So its all them grannies playing the one-armed bandits in Prisma and the yobs playing ice hockey bets thats funding the Opera.”
Does that mean I can get in with a used Keno ticket? What about a scratched ässä arpa? ;) ;) ;)

]]> By: Anzi http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320583 Anzi Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:58:02 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320583 <i>The upper class opera could be funded by either 1) we common people or 2) the wealthy. I like the #2 option better.</i> Opera is upper-class only by reputation, not by function. Students etc. get significant ticket discounts. A big part of the Finnish National Ballet's and Opera's clientele is composed of ordinary art-loving people. Just because you don't understand it or like it doesn't mean that it's upper-class and out of reach. The upper class opera could be funded by either 1) we common people or 2) the wealthy. I like the #2 option better.

Opera is upper-class only by reputation, not by function. Students etc. get significant ticket discounts. A big part of the Finnish National Ballet’s and Opera’s clientele is composed of ordinary art-loving people. Just because you don’t understand it or like it doesn’t mean that it’s upper-class and out of reach.

]]> By: Anonymous http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320578 Anonymous Thu, 22 Mar 2007 10:51:58 +0000 http://www.finlandforthought.net/2007/03/22/finnish-national-opera-avoids-450000e-loss-thanks-to-private-donation/#comment-320578 Why is it that the state is spending money on the Opera, and at the same time there's a chrisis in the healthcare system? Why is it that the state is spending money on the Opera, and at the same time there’s a chrisis in the healthcare system?

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