Estonian National Opera tenor Heldur Harry Põlda: opera should be less elitist

Tenor Heldur Harry Põlda of the Estonian National Opera has spoken out about the disappearance of reduced pensions for opera and ballet artists. He also believes opera should take steps to become more accessible to the general public.

Heldur Harry Põlda, a tenor at the Estonian National Opera, has expressed his concerns about the welfare of performing artists and the future of opera as an art form in Estonia. Speaking in the interview series "ID", Põlda shared his thoughts on issues ranging from artist pensions to audience engagement.

Põlda voiced particular concern over the removal of reduced pension benefits for opera and ballet artists — a change he feels strikes at the heart of a profession that demands decades of physical and vocal dedication. For many performers, the body simply cannot sustain the rigours of the stage into old age, making early retirement provisions a vital lifeline.

Beyond the welfare of artists, Põlda also touched on the question of accessibility. He argued that opera, often perceived as an art form reserved for the educated elite, should make a greater effort to reach broader audiences. In his view, bringing opera closer to the public is not a matter of lowering artistic standards, but of breaking down unnecessary social barriers.

The tenor's comments reflect a wider debate across European opera houses about how to remain relevant in a changing cultural landscape while also ensuring fair treatment for the artists who dedicate their lives to the craft.