Row erupts after Venice opera house hires conductor linked to Meloni government

"Venice's prestigious La Fenice opera house is embroiled in controversy over the hiring of a conductor with close ties to Giorgia Meloni's far-right government. The theatre's orchestra musicians and staff are calling for Beatrice Venezi's appointment as music director to be revoked, claiming she does not have enough experience for the high-profile role and was picked only because of her government connections."

"Venezi, 35, whose father is a former member of Forza Nuova, a neofascist political party, is a music adviser at Italy's culture ministry. She has worked with orchestras in Europe and beyond but those opposed to her recruitment say she has never conducted at La Fenice, apart from during a brief promotional event, or at any other major opera house. Venezi is also known in Italy for appearing in TV adverts for a shampoo brand."

"Announcing the appointment last week, Nicola Colabianchi, La Fenice's general manager, said Venezi had been hired because she is a very good conductor, and because she is a woman and already respected internationally at only 35. But the decision was immediately contested by the theatre's orchestra musicians, who published an appeal addressed to Colabianchi criticising the lack of transparency in the recruitment process and claiming Venezi was not qualified for the role at such an esteemed Italian opera house."

La Fenice appointed 35-year-old Beatrice Venezi as music director, prompting protests from the theatre's orchestra musicians and staff who demand the appointment be revoked. Critics allege insufficient experience for a leading opera house and claim political connections to Giorgia Meloni's government influenced the choice. Audience members distributed leaflets reading "Music is art, not entertainment" in solidarity with staff. Venezi is a music adviser at Italy's culture ministry and has worked with orchestras abroad, but opponents say she has not conducted at major international opera houses. La Fenice's management defended the appointment and highlighted her international respect and gender.

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