Further steps in the process of merging the Moravian Philharmonic and the Moravian Theatre

To decide on the merger process, the town hall commissioned an analysis mapping the potential for internal savings and the potential for increasing own revenues. “From the very beginning, there has been a consensus that the past years have been a crisis for the theater and the philharmonic and that changes must be made. The aim of the city management is to develop both cultural institutions,” explained again the deputy mayor for culture Viktor Tichák. “However, if there are no funds in the budget outlook even for current operation, let alone for development, we need to start looking for funds,” he emphasized.

The newly formed working group has the task of formulating the wording of the charter, creating the name of the future institution and preparing the next steps to complete the process of merging the Philharmonic and the theater. From its initial meeting, it emerged that the name should bear the words “theatre” and “philharmonic” and that the charter should explicitly state both the Moravian Theater Olomouc, as the brand under which the institution will implement the activities of a three-ensemble theater including a theater orchestra, and the Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc , as a brand for the symphony orchestra’s concert activities, including related activities. The resulting proposals of the working group, which will meet again for the meeting, will first be presented to the cultural commission of the Olomouc City Council, and then the councilors will discuss the final document.

“I would like to emphasize once again that none of the existing institutions will disappear, they will only merge into one, which will be able to more effectively use not only the premises, but mainly the financial resources, which is the main purpose of the entire process,” commented deputy Tichák, adding that the merger it will not negatively affect either the viewers or the listeners. “The structure and breadth of the cultural offer will remain. The operations of the Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc and the Moravian Theater Olomouc will not be endangered in the joint institution, both orchestras will be preserved, including their brand, visual identity and long-standing history. This will be enshrined in the charter of the new joint institution,” he explained.

To clarify the steps in the process of merging the Moravian Philharmonic Olomouc and the Moravian Theater Olomouc, around which, according to Deputy Mayor Tichák, there are many myths and conjectures, the city has also set up a special website. Those interested can find all important information, data, numbers, analyzes and arguments on them.

They are clearly available at filharmonieadivadlo.olomouc.eu.