Overview

• Venezi informed Festival delle Idee organizers she would not attend the October 1 event in Mestre to avoid fueling controversy.
• She described some criticisms following her La Fenice nomination as "del tutto ingiustificate" and said a misinterpreted word could spark new disputes.
• Festival organizers said the conversation has been rescheduled for January 2026.
• In her letter, she expressed respect for institutions and thanked superintendent Nicola Colabianchi, Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro, Veneto president Luca Zaia, the foundation’s council, and theater staff.
• Italy’s culture minister Alessandro Giuli praised Venezi as an excellent conductor and said she is equal to the challenge at La Fenice.