Teatro La Fenice cancels all collaborations with Beatrice Venezi following her controversial statements.

The Teatro La Fenice Foundation has decided to cancel all future collaborations with Beatrice Venezi. The news, made official by Superintendent Nicola Colabianchi, follows a period of controversy and disagreements involving the Lucca-born conductor. The decision was motivated by Venezi's public statements, which were deemed offensive and detrimental to the artistic and professional value of the Foundation and its Orchestra.

Beatrice Venezi's contested statements

The reason for this decision lies in an interview Venezi herself gave to the Argentine newspaper La Nación , in which the conductor declared that "this is an orchestra where positions are practically passed down from father to son." Furthermore, she stated that she had no "godfathers" in the music world, unlike other colleagues, and openly criticized the environment she found at the Teatro La Fenice. Her words sparked widespread disapproval among the orchestra members and the Foundation's top management, who deemed these statements incompatible with the principles of respect and collaboration that characterize the theater's professional environment.

Superintendent Colabianchi distances himself

In response to Venezi's statements, Superintendent Colabianchi immediately distanced himself, reiterating that he disagrees with the conductor's opinions and emphasizing the orchestra's excellent quality. Colabianchi also stated that Venezi's words not only do not reflect the reality of La Fenice, but also undermine the mutual trust necessary to build a fruitful and lasting artistic collaboration.

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The support of the Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli

The Minister of Culture, Alessandro Giuli, expressed his full confidence in Superintendent Colabianchi, confirming that the decision was made in full autonomy and independence. The minister also expressed the hope that the decision to cancel collaborations with Venezi will help resolve ongoing tensions, in the best interests of the Teatro La Fenice and the city of Venice.

Protests and strikes within the Fenice

Venezi's statements were welcomed not only by the theater's management, but also by the Fenice workers, who mobilized with strikes, leafleting, and protests to express their dissent against the appointment. According to the workers, Venezi's statements not only disrespected the orchestra's professionalism, but also undermined the very identity of the Foundation. The La Fenice Theater's union representative called Venezi's remarks "serious, false, and offensive," emphasizing that orchestra members are selected through public competitions based on talent and meritocracy.

The cancellation of the appointment as musical director

Beatrice Venezi, who was appointed music director of the Gran Teatro La Fenice in December 2025, was scheduled to take office next October. However, due to tensions and disagreements that had arisen in the preceding months, her appointment was revoked. The Foundation has thus decided to cancel all future collaborations, stating that the position would no longer be in line with the principles and objectives of La Fenice.

The future of the Teatro La Fenice

This decision marks the culmination of a months-long controversy, sparked by internal conflicts at Teatro La Fenice and public criticism of Venezi's appointment. Now, the Foundation is committed to continuing its mission of fostering a working environment characterized by respect, collaboration, and artistic excellence. This event, though painful, is part of a process of renewal and the search for a balance between the artistic value and professional dynamics of Teatro La Fenice.