La Fenice in Turmoil After Beatrice Venezi Named Music Director
One of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses, Teatro La Fenice in Venice, is facing internal revolt after the surprise appointment of 35-year-old conductor Beatrice Venezi as its new music director. Staff members—including orchestra musicians, choir members, and stage technicians—have threatened to strike, calling the decision “politically motivated” and questioning Venezi’s artistic credentials.
Why the Backlash?
Venezi, a media-savvy conductor with a strong social media presence and ties to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has never conducted a full opera at La Fenice. Her only prior involvement was a brief promotional event. Critics argue her fame stems more from TV appearances, hair product commercials, and political alignment than from conducting at elite institutions like La Scala, Vienna State Opera, or the Met.
“Venezi is not a famous conductor who happens to be right wing,” said classical music critic Alberto Mattioli. “She’s famous because she is right wing.”
Infographic: Beatrice Venezi – Profile at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Age | 35 |
| Major Conducting Posts | Teatro Colón (Buenos Aires), smaller Italian houses |
| La Fenice Experience | One promotional appearance |
| Political Ties | Close to PM Giorgia Meloni; former government music councilor |
| Public Profile | Forbes Italia “Top 100 Under 30” (2018), RAI TV host, haircare brand ambassador |
Staff Outrage and Broken Trust
- General manager Nicola Colabianchi had told staff a decision wouldn’t be made for a year—but announced Venezi’s appointment days later.
- Union reps say they were never consulted—a break from decades of tradition.
- La Scala musicians issued a public statement of solidarity with La Fenice workers.
Is This Part of a Larger Cultural Shift?
Since Meloni’s hard-right government took power in 2022, critics accuse it of reshaping Italy’s cultural institutions to reflect nationalist and conservative values. Appointments at national museums, film festivals, and now opera houses increasingly favor Italian nationals with ideological alignment over international or apolitical candidates.
“This isn’t just about one conductor—it’s about who gets to define Italian culture,” said Marco Trentin, a cellist and union representative at La Fenice.
Defense of the Appointment
Colabianchi insists Venezi is “prepared and serious,” citing past collaborations in Cagliari. He argues her youth, gender, and media savvy will bring “international visibility” and attract younger audiences to opera—a genre struggling with aging attendance.
Supporters like opera expert Enrico Stinchelli note her regular work at Teatro Colón and smaller Italian theaters as legitimate experience for her age.
What Happens Next?
No formal strike has begun, but protests are escalating. During a recent concert, an orchestra member read a statement demanding Venezi’s “immediate revocation”—met with standing ovations. The union hopes management will reconsider before industrial action becomes unavoidable.
