Antonio Forza replaces Alessandro Tortato as advisor at La Fenice amid political controversy

Alessandro Tortato, an advisor at the Fondazione Teatro La Fenice in Venice, resigned after the confirmation of Beatrice Venezi as musical director, stating the issue had become purely political. Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli then appointed lawyer Antonio Forza to replace him. Forza, a member of the Venice Bar since 1975 and a contract professor at the University of Padua, has a very different profile from Tortato, who is a multi-diploma pianist and composer. Tortato was appointed in January 2025 by the Ministry of Culture. The controversy peaked with protests against Venezi's appointment, ratified on March 10 by the board and president Luigi Brugnaro. Forza has campaigned for a 'yes' vote in the justice referendum supported by the government, suggesting a political motive. He previously defended former regional assessor Renato Chisso in the Mose corruption scandal. His appointment comes amid heightened tensions between the government and the Biennale Foundation over Russia's participation in the next Art Biennale.