Venice opera staff strike against Meloni-aligned conductor hire

Venice’s La Fenice Staff to Strike Over Conductor Appointment

Workers at Venice’s La Fenice opera house have voted to hold a strike in protest against the hiring of a conductor with links to Italy’s current political leadership.

The strike is scheduled for Friday, 17 October, coinciding with the opening night of Alban Berg’s Wozzeck, the final production of the 2024-25 season.

For months, musicians and employees have demanded that the appointment of Beatrice Venezi as music director be overturned, arguing she lacks sufficient experience for the role and was chosen due to political affiliations.

Venezi, 35, whose father was previously part of the Forza Nuova party, became a music adviser at the culture ministry shortly after the current government took office three years ago. She has been commended by the prime minister on multiple occasions and received an award from the ruling party.

Though Venezi has led orchestras internationally, critics say she does not meet the expected standards for such a prestigious position, pointing out that she has never conducted at La Fenice—aside from a small event—or at any leading opera house abroad.

Last week, the orchestra’s musicians wrote an open letter to the venue’s general manager, Nicola Colabianchi, raising concerns about opaque hiring practices and Venezi’s suitability for the post.

The letter, published in Italian media, stated that her name “has not appeared on the programs of major global music festivals.”

Venezi, set to begin her four-year term in 2026, has not publicly addressed the dispute. She has received support from the culture minister, Alessandro Giuli, who said La Fenice’s first female music director would not disappoint. “Beatrice Venezi is a skilled artist and conductor,” Giuli remarked.

Colabianchi defended the decision, citing Venezi’s conducting ability and international recognition at a young age.

In announcing the strike, the opera house’s union repeated its call to reverse Venezi’s appointment, following a prior declaration of unrest.

The union stated that while the mayor proposed discussions with the incoming director, workers would only engage in talks if the current appointment was first revoked.

Venezi has faced criticism in the past, including protests last year in Nice, where demonstrators chanted against her before a New Year’s concert.