Trending Now - Venice Opera House Parts Ways With New Music Director Amid Controversy
WHO:
AP News - Beatrice Venezi, incoming music director of Venice’s La Fenice opera house
AP News - Nicola Colabianchi, general manager of La Fenice
AP News - Alessandro Giuli, Italian Culture Minister
AP News - Giorgia Meloni, Italian Premier
WHAT:
AP News - La Fenice opera house is breaking ties with Beatrice Venezi following months of protests by musicians.
AP News - Venezi was due to take up the role in October.
AP News - The decision to cancel future collaboration was announced by the theater’s foundation.
AP News - Musicians, singers, and backstage hands opposed Venezi’s appointment, citing a lack of transparency and experience.
AP News - Protests included a strike that forced the cancellation of a performance and a march through Venice.
WHERE:
AP News - Venice, Italy
AP News - La Fenice opera house
WHEN:
AP News - Venezi was appointed on September 22.
AP News - Venezi was due to take up the role in October.
WHY:
AP News - The decision to part ways with Venezi was due to her “repeated and serious public statements that were offensive and harmful” to the theater and its orchestra.
AP News - Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli hoped the move would “clear misunderstandings, tensions and manipulations” surrounding Venezi’s selection.
HOW:
AP News - The protests included a strike and a march, reflecting concerns of political interference in artistic decisions.
AP News - Colabianchi initially defended Venezi’s appointment, citing her youth and dynamism as a way to attract a younger audience.
(UPDATED April 27, 2026 21:22 UTC)
La Fenice opera house in Venice has decided to part ways with Beatrice Venezi, who was set to become the music director in October, following months of protests from musicians and backstage staff. The protests, which included a strike that canceled a performance and a march through the city, were fueled by concerns over Venezi's lack of experience and transparency, as well as her public statements deemed offensive by the theater's foundation. Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli expressed hope that this decision would help resolve the tensions surrounding Venezi's appointment.