Conductor Beatrice Venezi Moves On from La Fenice, Announces Russia and Georgia Engagements

Beatrice Venezi, appointed musical director of Venice’s Teatro La Fenice in September 2025, faced months of protests, strikes and legal disputes that led the foundation to terminate her contract in April 2026. The director says the case remains open in court but expresses confidence in the judiciary.

Venezi now says she wants to “build, not destroy,” and will focus on new international projects. She will conduct Verdi’s La Traviata in Novosibirsk, Russia, describing the city as a new cultural capital, and will also perform a series of concerts in Georgia during August and September. Emphasising artistic freedom, she declared herself a “free artist” and rejected political interpretations of her decision. Venezi also mentions resuming study of the Russian language and her long‑standing interest in Russian repertoire and the former Soviet cultural sphere.