Around the Music Festival

Nicola Colabianchi, general manager of the Teatro La Fenice in Venice, Italy, has announced that he will terminate all future collaborations with music director Beatrice Venezi. He cited her recent statements to an Argentinian newspaper, such as “the profession of musician in Venice is passed down from father to son,” as reasons for the dismissal, stating that “these statements are contrary to the foundation’s ideals and the protection and respect for the orchestra members.”

Regarding her appointment as music director, given her limited experience at the opera house, approximately 300 orchestra members and theater staff unanimously protested, issuing a statement demanding the withdrawal of her appointment. A group of season ticket holders launched a petition, threatening to cancel their memberships if the appointment was not withdrawn.

However, in mid-March, the theater’s management committee approved her appointment for a four-year term starting from the 2026/2027 season. Nevertheless, Venezi continued to criticize, saying that “season ticket holders are 80 years old and afraid of change,” and accused the theater’s management of being “in the hands of the labor unions, almost anarchic.”

PHOTO：Maxppp　/　Rocco Spaziani