Following protests from orchestra members of the Teatro La Fenice and numerous companies in Italy showing solidarity to the company for the election of Beatrice Venezi as the next Music Director of the Venice opera house, 140 subscribers have signed a letter in solidarity for the orchestra against Venezi’s appointment.

In the letter, the subscribers said, “We write as season ticket holders of the opera and symphony seasons of the Teatro La Fenice, to which we have long held profound ties. We were shocked and concerned to learn of the appointment of Beatrice Venezi as Music Director of the Theater; a role that requires expertise and experience, previously held by figures of undisputed value and ability.”

The letter added, “We agree with what the orchestra professors clearly stated in their open letter of September 25th, and we join their request for revocation. We hereby declare our intention not to renew our season ticket should the appointment become effective.”

In response to the letter, General Director Nicola Colabianchi said, “I haven’t read this letter yet, but the numbers I’ve been given currently limit the number of season ticket holders who have canceled to four. If 140 out of 2,300 members gather to express an opinion, it seems more than legitimate to me, but that doesn’t influence the Foundation’s decisions.”

He added, “We’re not engaged in commercial activity, but rather provide a cultural service, which is carried out in accordance with the decisions of the artistic director and the superintendency. If someone doesn’t like it, I don’t know what to do.”

The subscriber’s concerns come after workers of the Teatro La Fenice announced a permanent strike against the appointment of Venezi, due to her close relationship with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government. The workers noted that Venezi was elected in a manner that violated every principle of dialogue and transparency. Since then, every major Italian orchestra and opera house has united to show support for the Teatro La Fenice.