Overview
- At a subscribers’ concert, the orchestra read a statement asking to revoke Venezi’s appointment, drawing extended applause as flyers were thrown from the boxes.
- Superintendent Nicola Colabianchi defended the choice, while political figures split over the move, with Fratelli d’Italia backing Venezi and M5S denouncing the appointment as political.
- Venice mayor Luigi Brugnaro met the theatre’s leadership, said he will hear all sides, and set union meetings for next week.
- Workers and unions from other opera houses, including Verona’s Arena, Turin’s Regio and Maggio Musicale Fiorentino, expressed solidarity and urged appointments based on top artistic standards.
- Grassroots pressure grew with a Change.org petition launched by musicologist Stefano Aresi, a new Facebook committee, and a subscribers’ letter warning they may not renew season tickets.