To the attention of

Alessandro Giuli – Minister of Culture, Italian Government
Luigi Brugnaro – Mayor of Venice, President of Fondazione Teatro La Fenice
Board of Directors of the Fondazione Teatro La Fenice 
Nicola Colabianchi – Superintendent of Teatro La Fenice

On 22 September 2025, the appointment of Beatrice Venezi as the next Music Director of Teatro La Fenice in Venice, effective October 2026, was publicly announced.

This decision was made without any consultation with the orchestra or theatre staff, and provoked a swift and sharp backlash.

Ms. Venezi lacks comparable professional credentials to previous Music Directors of the theatre. Her appointment, imposed from the top, defies merit and disrespects the working artists who have long upheld the Fenice’s prestige.

In an open letter, the Professors of the Orchestra wrote:

"Our opposition to the appointment of Beatrice Venezi derives solely from the professional profile of the designated Music Director. Ms. Venezi has never conducted either an opera production or a public symphonic concert in the official season of La Fenice. Her résumé is in no way comparable to that of the great conductors who, in the past, have held the role of Music Director of this theatre. Venezi has never conducted in the world’s leading opera houses, nor does her name appear on the programmes of the most important international music festivals. Where, then, is the so-called “international talent” that should be leading La Fenice? What prospects for high-level relations within the musical world does this appointment open?"

Already, the institution is suffering: subscription cancellations, internal unrest, and reputational damage.

What We Ask

1. The immediate revocation of Beatrice Venezi’s appointment as Music Director.
2. The initiation of a transparent, merit-based selection process, involving the artistic community and respecting professional norms.
3. Official recognition of the orchestra’s open letter and its criticisms — which reflect serious, documentable professional objections.

Why Sign

Teatro La Fenice isn’t a stage for publicity stunts — it’s one of the world’s foremost opera institutions. It deserves leadership grounded in real experience, respect, and genuine professional credibility.