Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro urged musicians at La Fenice to give newly appointed musical director Beatrice Venezi a chance, amid ongoing protests. Speaking ahead of the New Year concert at the historic opera house. Brugnaro called for dialogue between Venezi and the orchestra.
“I think it would be appropriate to give her a chance,” he said.
Venezi, 35, was appointed musical director for a four-year term. The decision has been contested by members of the orchestra, who question her experience. She has never led a major opera house orchestra. Critics argue her conducting record is too limited for a role such as La Fenice’s.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni took office appointed Beatrice Venezi as government musical advisor shortly after. Meloni has publicly praised her on several occasions. She has also received an award from Meloni’s right-wing Brothers of Italy party.
Supporters see her appointment as part of the government’s effort to challenge what it describes as left-wing cultural dominance. Venezi, from Lucca, is the daughter of a far-right militant. She is also a familiar public figure through television advertising.
Venezi has many backers
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli has defended the appointment. He said Venetians would not miss previous musical directors.
Her admirers say she has built a strong curriculum vitae for her age. Some international media have suggested criticism reflects ageism or sexism.
Brugnaro, who also heads the foundation running La Fenice, said he is working to arrange a neutral meeting between Venezi and the orchestra. “I want to ask for peace, to reach agreements,” he said. “Everyone must be involved.”
The comments came before La Fenice’s 23rd New Year concert, conducted this year by Michele Mariotti. The orchestra and chorus did not boycott the event. However, they signalled dissent by wearing gold pins shaped as treble clefs.
Mariotti also wore the pin in a gesture of solidarity with the musicians. Venezi has not commented publicly on the dispute.
