Venice, Italy, October 1, 2025
The world-renowned Teatro La Fenice opera house in Venice has been plunged into turmoil following the controversial appointment of Beatrice Venezi as its new Music Director. A furious rebellion by the orchestra and union staff alleges the selection process was driven by political expediency rather than artistic merit, citing the conductor’s close ties to the Italian government’s right-wing leadership as the deciding factor over her professional experience.
The appointment, which was unanimously approved by the Foundation’s board last week, has been met with a “permanent state of strike” declared by the opera house’s union representatives (RSU). Musicians are demanding the immediate revocation of the decision, claiming the choice sacrifices the opera house’s artistic reputation for political favouritism. The situation highlights a growing ‘culture war’ in Italy over the governance and funding of national arts institutions.
Headline Points
* Protests Over the New Maestro: Staff and orchestra members at Teatro La Fenice have initiated a “permanent state of strike” to protest the appointment of Beatrice Venezi, alleging her close ties to the governing political party were the primary factor in her selection.
* Culture Wars Influence Arts Funding: The controversy underscores a broader national debate concerning the increasing influence of political figures in the appointments of superintendents and directors across Italy’s most prestigious cultural institutions.
* Musicians Demand a Recount of the Selection Process: The Fenice orchestra has written to the Superintendent, demanding the decision be reversed, arguing that the appointment “guarantees neither artistic quality nor international prestige.”
A Battle Between Art and Politics
The conductor in question, 35-year-old Beatrice Venezi, is known for her association with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party and has served as an advisor to the Ministry of Culture on music. While the La Fenice Foundation hailed the appointment as a move that represents “significant added value for the Theater’s activities in terms of professionalism, international visibility, energy, and renewal,” the staff vehemently disagrees.
In a scathing letter delivered to Superintendent Nicola Colabianchi, the orchestra musicians stressed their opposition “stems exclusively from the professional profile of the designated music director.” They argue that Venezi, despite some international work, lacks the depth of experience required for the prestigious role at one of the world’s most historic opera houses. Critics of the appointment claim it was an act of “fast-track” political patronage, bypassing other candidates with greater international acclaim and experience.
Staff Threaten Mass Disruption
The gravity of the staff rebellion is underscored by the immediate declaration of a “permanent state of strike,” which reserves the right to escalate to full strike actions, demonstrations, and sit-ins. This action directly threatens the continuity of the opera house’s programming, including the upcoming premiere of a major work scheduled for later this month.
The Superintendent has attempted to calm the rising tensions by noting that the new Maestro is not due to officially begin her four-year tenure until October 2026 and will only conduct a limited number of productions per year. However, this has done little to placate the staff, who view the decision as an immediate and unacceptable compromise of the theatre’s artistic integrity.
The Mayor of Venice and President of the Foundation, Luigi Brugnaro, has scheduled a crisis meeting for next week in an attempt to “promote dialogue” and “find a solution.” Yet, with the staff digging in on the grounds of artistic excellence and transparency, the beautiful but embattled Teatro La Fenice remains at the centre of a dramatic standoff, underscoring the fierce debate over political meddling in the cultural heart of Italy.
