Logi Einarsson, the Minister of Culture, Innovation, and Higher Education, has formally asked for a deputy to take his place in the process of selecting a director for the new Þjóðarópera (National Opera). The reason is a straightforward conflict of interest: one of the applicants is Finnur Bjarnason, a ministry employee and accomplished opera singer.
The Prime Minister’s Office will bring a memorandum on the appointment to tomorrow’s cabinet meeting, according to the permanent secretary of the ministry.
Eleven candidates in total have applied for the opera director role at the Þjóðarópera, which came into being after Alþingi (Parliament) passed an amendment to the Performing Arts Act in July. That legislation opened the door for an Icelandic opera to operate under the stewardship of Þjóðleikhúsið (National Theatre), with Harpa as its home.
The original target was to have a director in place by November 15, but Logi’s recusal will push that timeline back. Who steps in as his deputy to handle the decision is still an open question.
