Workers at Venice’s Teatro La Fenice opera house have declared a permanent strike over the appointment of Beatrice Venezi as musical director.
Union representatives said they are in a “permanent state of strike” following Monday’s decision by the foundation that governs La Fenice. They accused management of ignoring transparency and democratic principles when making the appointment.
In a statement, they said: “We reserve the right to undertake all necessary union action—including strikes, demonstrations, and sit-ins—to defend the professionalism of its artists and respect for democratic rules.”
The workers are demanding the immediate revocation of Venezi’s appointment. They said the decision “violated every principle of dialogue and transparency.”
Venezi, 35, from Lucca, is both a conductor and pianist. The foundation’s board and its president, Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro unanimously approved her appointment. She should begin her mandate in October 2026, serving until March 2030.
The board praised the appointment, calling it “significant added value for the Theater’s work in terms of professionalism, international visibility, energy, and renewal.” It also stressed the importance of having a woman in such a leading role, rare in major international opera houses.
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli welcomed the move, calling it a “well-deserved appointment.” He praised Superintendent Nicola Colabianchi for his “farsighted decision” and said Venezi would bring “dedication, professionalism, and creativity.”
Venezi expressed gratitude for appointment
Venezi herself expressed gratitude on social media. “I welcome with emotion and gratitude the choice of my name as the new music director of the Gran Teatro La Fenice,” she wrote. “I am deeply honoured to receive this prestigious position, which I will strive to honour both nationally and internationally, with the goal of leading all the Teatro’s permanent bodies to ever greater success.”
She added that she looked forward to beginning a “human, artistic, and musical dialogue with the Teatro, the city of Venice, and its audiences.”
Venezi is widely seen as close to Premier Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party. She has appeared at FdI events and received an award from the party. Critics have linked her appointment to her political profile as well as her career.
La Fenice management said Venezi would soon meet with the superintendent and staff to define the strategic guidelines for her term.
Also read: 5 of Italy’s top opera houses
