Margus Allikmaa asked in the broadcast "Esimene stuudio" whether ERSO and Eesti Kontsert should merge. He also asked whether Eesti Kontsert is even necessary.
The Ministry of Culture did not comment on Allikmaa's words. They said that this is not the ministry's position.
ERSO's leader Kristjan Hallik said that they have not discussed a merger. He does not believe it would be possible. Hallik stated that ERSO and Eesti Kontsert have different roles. Merging would reduce their strengths.
Hallik does not know why Allikmaa brought up such an idea. He noted that it is important to preserve culture in Estonia. ERSO is a full-scale symphony orchestra, as in many other countries.
Hallik said that ERSO has increased its revenue over the years. He also mentioned that there is a lack of indirect support for culture in Estonia.
Eesti Kontsert's leader Kertu Orro said that Allikmaa's talk is not based on facts. She stated that Eesti Kontsert and ERSO have clear roles. Orro believes that a merger would require thorough analysis.
Orro said that the biggest problem in the cultural field is the lack of a long-term strategy. She emphasized that Allikmaa's claims are not fact-based.
Allikmaa said in the broadcast that Eesti Kontsert takes money from the market. Orro said that this is not true. Eesti Kontsert collaborates with private companies.
Allikmaa said that merging Eesti Kontsert and ERSO could solve salary issues. He also said that officials from the Ministry of Culture would not dare to liquidate Eesti Kontsert.