Overview

• Her mandate begins in October 2026 and runs through March 2030, with the role becoming operational next year.
• The foundation cast the choice as boosting professional quality, international visibility, energy and renewal, noting the rarity of women in top opera posts.
• Opposition parties, including the Democratic Party, alleged political placement, and representatives of the orchestra and chorus voiced discontent over a top‑down process.
• Venezi, speaking from Bangkok, expressed gratitude for the appointment and will meet sovrintendente Nicola Colabianchi and staff to set programmatic priorities.
• Her public profile has previously drawn controversy, including protests by musicians in Palermo in 2024, while media had also floated other candidates such as Daniel Harding and Fabio Luisi.