The Council of the Estonian National Opera has decided to extend the contract of Ott Maaten, who has been serving as the head of the institution since 2021. His new term will last until the end of 2030, continuing his leadership during a period he describes as both interesting and challenging. Maaten expressed that there are still many projects that require intense effort, including international cooperation initiatives aimed at strengthening the opera's international standing.

Maaten mentioned the importance of completing several international collaborations that have already been initiated and emphasized the need for a successful resolution to the ongoing construction of the national opera's expansion. He praised recent strides towards achieving a balanced creative rhythm within the opera, which is critical for its artistic expression and future projects. His leadership has been crucial in navigating both the operational and artistic challenges the opera has faced.

As a candidate for the chief executive position, Maaten was noted for his strong competencies in both economics and music, distinguishing him from other applicants. His tenure has been characterized by efforts to restore stability and foster creativity within the organization, ensuring that the Estonian National Opera not only survives but thrives in the competitive cultural landscape.