by InTrieste
The board of directors of Teatro La Fenice, the city’s historic opera house, on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of Italian conductor and pianist Beatrice Venezi as its new music director. The four-year post, which Venezi is set to assume next October, has been the subject of months of controversy and internal protests.
Venezi, 35, has previously served as a music advisor to Italy’s culture ministry and has gained recognition internationally. Her appointment has drawn criticism from La Fenice staff and the house orchestra, who argue that she lacks experience conducting operas at La Fenice or other major international opera houses. Some have suggested that political connections, including Venezi’s reported ties to the right-wing party of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, played a role in her selection.
Francesco Muti, son of the late conductor Riccardo Muti and a senior artistic coordinator at La Fenice, resigned immediately following the board’s announcement. His departure was described by observers as a blow to the theatre’s administrative stability and a reflection of discontent among artistic leadership.
Union representatives and staff members staged protests outside the theatre, carrying banners questioning the transparency of the appointment process and its potential political influence.
La Fenice superintendent Nicola Colabianchi defended the decision, noting Venezi’s international reputation and describing her as “a very good conductor… and a woman already respected internationally at only 35.” Colabianchi’s decision has been scrutinized due to his publicly acknowledged ties to Meloni.
Supporters of Venezi argue that her appointment brings a modern, media-savvy approach to the opera house and that she is prepared to lead and renew the institution’s profile. Critics, however, emphasize the challenges she will face in managing a workforce that has openly voiced opposition to her leadership.
Italy’s culture minister Alessandro Giuli and the mayor of Venice, Luigi Brugnaro, have publicly defended Venezi, highlighting her accomplishments and potential to bring new energy to La Fenice.
As Venezi prepares to take up her post, she will confront a theatre divided over the balance between artistic merit and political influence, navigating both internal dissent and public scrutiny.
