Venice's iconic La Fenice opera house has dismissed Beatrice Venezi, its incoming music director, following a controversial interview in which she suggested that orchestra jobs are often inherited rather than earned through merit.
In comments made to an Argentine newspaper, the 36-year-old conductor said, "I have no godfathers. That is the difference. I do not come from a family of musicians," adding that her critics were "afraid of change, of renewal."
La Fenice responded by terminating her appointment, citing "repeated and serious public statements which were offensive and damaging to the artistic and professional standing" of the theater and its orchestra.
Venezi's hiring last September had already stirred controversy, with many questioning her qualifications and suggesting her ties to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni played a role. Her father was a former leader of the neo-fascist Forza Nuova party, and she has served as a musical consultant for the Ministry of Culture since 2022.
In October, union workers staged a strike to protest her appointment. Orchestra members and staff published an open letter arguing that her resume was "not remotely comparable" to previous music directors. General Manager Nicola Colabianchi had not consulted the orchestra before announcing the hire.
During the televised New Year's Eve concert, performers wore gold pins in silent protest, and audience members have thrown leaflets reading "Music is art, not entertainment" at performances.
Venezi defended her relationship with Meloni, calling her a "powerful, competent woman" but denying any political involvement herself. Meloni's office issued a statement denying a newspaper report that she authorized Venezi's sacking.