La Fenice Union Calls Strike Against Appointment of New Musical Director

Venice: The internal trade union representing staff at Venice’s La Fenice opera house announced a strike for Friday, October 17, coinciding with the premiere of Berg’s Wozzeck. The strike is in protest against the recent appointment of conductor Beatrice Venezi as the new musical director of the renowned theatre.

According to Ansa News Agency, Venezi, 35, was appointed as a government musical advisor by Premier Giorgia Meloni shortly after Meloni assumed power three years ago. Venezi has received praise from the premier on several occasions and has also been awarded by the rightwing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party. Her appointment at La Fenice is viewed as part of the government’s broader initiative to end what it perceives as a left-wing cultural dominance in Italy.

Critics have raised concerns about Venezi’s qualifications, noting that she has never led a major opera house orchestra before and questioning whether her conducting experience is sufficient for a position at La Fenice. However, Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli defended Venezi’s appointment, stating that she is an excellent artist and conductor who will not make Venetians miss her predecessors.

Giuli emphasized the importance of leadership in the cultural sector, suggesting that Venezi is up to the challenge and that La Fenice is an exceptional venue where any misunderstandings would eventually be resolved.