Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli defended the appointment of Beatrice Venezi as musical director of Venice’s storied La Fenice opera house, saying she will not make Italians miss her predecessors.
Giuli praised the 35-year-old conductor as an “excellent artist and conductor” while speaking in Florence during an election rally. He said Venezi was “up to the challenge” of leading one of Italy’s most prestigious opera houses.
“She won’t make us miss our predecessors,” Giuli said. “There are leaders in the cultural sphere, too, and they must put themselves to the test, and she is up to the challenge. La Fenice is an exceptional place, and if something hasn’t been understood, it will be understood.”
Background
Beatrice Venezi was appointed government musical advisor by Premier Giorgia Meloni shortly after Meloni came to power three years ago. She has since been praised by the premier and awarded by her right-wing Brothers of Italy (FdI) party.
The conductor, who also appears in a hair care advertisement, is seen by many as part of the government’s drive to end what it calls left-wing dominance in Italian cultural institutions.
However, Venezi has never led a major opera house orchestra before, a fact that has fuelled controversy over her appointment.
Staff Strike
Her selection triggered a strike by La Fenice staff, who have protested against the decision.
The dispute highlights tensions between the government’s cultural agenda and the traditions of one of Italy’s most celebrated opera institutions.
