The deficit of SEK 9.5 million this year is about three percent of Malmö Opera's total turnover of SEK 300 million - but the opera manager still takes it seriously. Most of the deficit comes from the 75th anniversary celebration, about five million with the tour.

- But we have also made great investments in digitalisation and we have closed our own printing plant. It has cost a lot, but in 2020 we have a sustainable budget and we also have our own saved capital that we can use, says Michael Bojesen, CEO of Malmö Opera.

Long-term work

That the opera chose to invest in its 75th anniversary, despite not receiving the extra public grants requested for it, he therefore feels no wonder.

- No, our work is long-term. The contracts were signed and we had not saved anything on setting.

Therefore, the opera will not close any performances due to the deficit in the cash register.

"Don't save on culture"

- No, our biggest revenue comes from ticket sales and in 2020 we are in balance, it will be tough but we will succeed. But we depend on the politicians giving us the right funding. If they don't, we can of course not do as much as before.

- You have to be careful to save on culture. We are not the cream on top, we are the cream that holds the cake itself, that is society, he says.