Overview
- The foundation of Venice’s La Fenice ended cooperation with Beatrice Venezi and canceled all projects planned with her.
- Leaders cited repeated and serious public statements, including an interview where she alleged orchestra jobs pass “from father to son.”
- Venezi had been named music director last October to start in October and serve through March 2030.
- Orchestra, choir, and staff protested the choice, saying they were shut out of the process as critics questioned her experience and her perceived closeness to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
- Italy’s culture minister backed the foundation’s move as the musicians’ union praised it, and the house now plans to name a new music director for the same term.