MILAN (AP) — The prestigious La Fenice opera house in Venice has severed its relationship with its controversial soon-to-be music director who has connections to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, following sustained opposition from theater workers.
The theater’s foundation announced Sunday that General Manager Nicola Colabianchi terminated future work with Beatrice Venezi due to her “repeated and serious public statements that were offensive and harmful” to both the venue and its musicians.
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli expressed hope that this decision would “clear misunderstandings, tensions and manipulations” that had emerged around Venezi’s selection.
Theater employees, including performers, musicians and backstage crew, had strongly resisted her hiring, pointing to insufficient transparency in the process and questioning whether she possessed adequate experience to helm such a prestigious institution.
The opposition intensified over time, culminating in work stoppages that led to canceled shows and a demonstration through Venice’s streets that drew support from employees of other opera venues, highlighting worries about political meddling in cultural institutions.
When news of Venezi’s blocked appointment reached Sunday evening’s performance, both audience members and orchestra musicians broke into spontaneous applause, as captured in footage shared by Italian news outlets.
Colabianchi had originally announced Venezi’s appointment on September 22nd and stood by his choice, arguing that her energy and youth would help draw younger patrons to the historic theater. The culture minister had similarly endorsed the selection.
The 36-year-old conductor joined the culture ministry as an advisor following Meloni’s rise to power in 2022. Her background includes serving as principal conductor for the Nuova Orchestra Scarlatti Young and guest conducting roles with Orchestra della Toscana, along with international engagements in countries including Armenia, Uruguay and Argentina.
