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La Fenice Axes First Female Director Amid Nepotism Claims

4/27/2026

Summary

Beatrice Venezi Accuses

La Fenice opera house in Venice terminated its contract with incoming music director Beatrice Venezi, who was to become its first female music director, after she accused the institution of nepotism.
The La Fenice Foundation called her statements offensive and cancelled all future collaborations.
More than 90 % of orchestra and staff voted for industrial action after her appointment.
Audience members threw leaflets reading “Music is art, not entertainment” during performances.

Summary

Venezi Appointment Cancelled

La Fenice cancelled Beatrice Venezi’s appointment on Sept 22, saying her repeated public statements were offensive and harmful.
General manager Nicola Colabianchi had hired her, defending the move as a way to attract younger audiences.
Unions called the termination necessary to protect labor dignity.
The strike forced the cancellation of a scheduled performance, disrupting the season.
Video footage captured the audience and orchestra erupting in applause when the appointment was blocked.

History

Historical Context

In 1996 arson destroyed La Fenice, leading the Italian Ministry of Culture to commission architect Aldo Rossi for a reconstruction that reopened in December 2003. The opera house, publicly owned since 1935, has survived earlier fires (1836) and multiple rebuilds, making its governance a recurring flashpoint. Today, General Manager Nicola Colabianchi’s dismissal of director Beatrice Venezi has sparked union strikes, echoing past crises over leadership and funding.

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Beatrice Venezi Accuses

La Fenice opera house in Venice terminated its contract with incoming music director Beatrice Venezi, who was to become its first female music director, after she accused the institution of nepotism.
The La Fenice Foundation called her statements offensive and cancelled all future collaborations.
More than 90 % of orchestra and staff voted for industrial action after her appointment.
Audience members threw leaflets reading “Music is art, not entertainment” during performances.

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