Criticized Corrado Augias Imitation: Low Ratings for “Viva Puccini” with Beatrice Venezi

Conductor Beatrice Venezi‘s New Year’s Eve Performance Ignites Debate

Celebrated conductor Beatrice Venezi found herself at the center of a heated online discussion following her New Year’s Eve performance. The controversy stemmed from her choice to conduct Puccini’s “Nessun dorma” while sporting the title “Maestro.”

“A multitalented and highly esteemed conductor,” as described by Bulgari on their official X account [[1](https://github.com/wp-cli/wp-cli/issues/1981)], Venezi often employs traditionally masculine titles. This preference, coupled with her open political affiliations, has sparked debate about gender roles and artistic expression in the classical music world.

rai 3’s “Viva Puccini” Draws Mixed Reactions on New Year’s Eve

Rai 3’s New Year’s Eve special, “Viva Puccini,” which featured conductor Beatrice Venezi and Bianca Guaccero, attracted a viewership of 750,000, representing a 5% share of the audience. The program, broadcast live from the Rai Auditorium in Naples, stirred controversy due to its opening skit, which mimicked renowned journalist Corrado Augias. The portrayal of Augias as disoriented and bewildered swiftly sparked criticism on social media platforms. Many viewers deemed the skit not satirical humor but rather a disrespectful mockery, particularly given Augias’ well-documented opposition to the current government. Despite the controversy surrounding the opening, “Viva Puccini” presented a party of Puccini’s timeless musical legacy. The program featured Venezi leading a performance of some of the composer’s most beloved works.

Beatrice Venezi’s Puccini Interpretation Sparks Debate

Celebrated conductor Beatrice Venezi’s recent televised performance of Puccini’s works has sparked a heated discussion among music critics. Acclaimed critic Aldo Grasso, writing for *Corriere della Sera*, voiced a strong opinion, stating: “Beatrice Venezi transforms Puccini’s pop into kitsch.” Grasso went on to observe: “The brilliant idea is to bring the great master’s music closer to the television audience, borrowing a little from what Corrado Augias… and Speranza Scappucci did. (…) kitsch, Kitsch, Hooray! In reality it was not a program about Puccini, but about Beatrice Venezi.” He further commented on Venezi’s conducting style, noting that she “when she leads gets agitated and makes faces like our prime minister.” grasso criticized the program’s focus, highlighting that the cameras were constantly trained on Venezi, with numerous close-ups.He felt this overemphasis on her personality overshadowed the musical performance itself, stating: “indiscriminate celebration of aesthetic pleasure to the detriment of the material workmanship of the artistic object.”

Backlash Erupts Over Television Satire

A recent television special sparked controversy after featuring a satirical portrayal of journalist and author Corrado Augias. The segment, which aired on Rai 3, drew immediate criticism from viewers and media outlets alike. Antonio Dipollina, a critic for *La Repubblica*, voiced his disapproval in his article “Long live Puccini and Augias’s teasing, the new Bagaglino style course.” He described the segment, stating, “Frist the small things.The highly anticipated special evening begins – on Rai 3 or what remains of it – and there is an unspecified imitator with a wig that resembles Corrado Augias’ hair. the guy babbles things,the audience goes wild with jokes and jokes,the impersonator leaves the scene. (…) The desolate and ridiculous gag on Augias is free from the fear of expressing itself: they declared it and staged it, the program wanted to be the symbolic event of the new recovery against the prevailing cultural-television hegemony, Beatrice is its muse and the rest came later.” Outrage over the sketch quickly spread beyond customary media, igniting heated discussions on various social media platforms.

venezi’s Title Choice and Political Ties

A recent analysis has shed light on the captivating career choices made by Venezi. While the specifics of her political connections remain unclear, one intriguing detail has emerged: her consistent preference for masculine titles.

A Composer’s Stance on Gender and Identity Sparks Debate

Celebrated Italian composer Beatrice Venezi has found herself at the center of a discourse surrounding gender identity. Venezi prefers to be addressed by the traditionally masculine titles “maestro” or “director,” eschewing their female counterparts. in an interview with *Corriere della sera*, Venezi articulated her perspective on feminism, stating: “Feminism should be a concrete, non-ideological issue in support of women’s demands. Instead it is trivially linked to lexical disputes.” Venezi’s views resonate with those of Italy’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni. This alignment is further evidenced by Venezi’s receipt of the “Atreju21” award at an event hosted by Meloni’s Fratelli d’Italia party in 2021. Additionally, in 2022, Venezi was appointed councilor for music by then-Minister of culture Gennaro Sangiuliano.

Family Ties and Political Connections

Aurora Venezi’s background reveals interesting connections to the world of Italian politics. Her father, Gabriele Venezi, a prominent real estate developer, made headlines in 2007 when he was nominated for mayor of Lucca by the far-right group Forza Nuova.Venezi herself has been open about her long-standing relationship with Giorgia Meloni. “We have known each other for a long time, well before he became a prominent figure in politics,” venezi shared in an interview with *Corriere della Sera*. “He is a person for whom I have respect,first and foremost human. But we have never had a political relationship.”

Family Ties and Political Connections

Aurora Venezi’s background reveals interesting connections to the world of Italian politics. Her father,Gabriele Venezi,a prominent real estate developer,made headlines in 2007 when he was nominated for mayor of Lucca by the far-right group Forza Nuova. Venezi herself has been open about her long-standing relationship with Giorgia meloni. “We have known each other for a long time, well before he became a prominent figure in politics,” Venezi shared in an interview with *Corriere della Sera*. “He is a person for whom I have respect, first and foremost human. But we have never had a political relationship.”
## Archyde Interview: Beatrice Venezi on Tradition, Interpretation, and Controversy



**Host:** Welcome back to Archyde insights. Today, we’re joined by the celebrated conductor Beatrice Venezi, whose recent performance of Puccini’s works on Rai 3 sparked heated discussions within the classical music sphere.



**Venezi:** Thank you for having me.



**Host:** Your performance, part of the “Viva Puccini” New Year’s Eve special, drew both praise and criticism. Some admired your passionate approach to conducting Puccini, while others, like critic Aldo Grasso, felt it leaned into “kitsch” and prioritized personality over musical nuance. How do you respond to these differing perspectives?



**Venezi:** Every artistic expression invites interpretation. Puccini’s music is powerful and global, capable of resonating with individuals in diverse ways. My aim is to convey the raw emotion and dramatic intensity embedded within his compositions. Perhaps my style, my movement, my energy, is unconventional for some, but that’s a reflection of my individual approach to connecting with the music and sharing it with the audience.



**host:** You’ve often been vocal about challenging traditional boundaries within classical music. How do you see your role as a conductor evolving in a field traditionally associated with formality and convention?



**Venezi:** I believe classical music should be accessible and relatable to everyone. We shouldn’t be afraid to embrace new ways of presenting it, to infuse it with energy and passion. It’s about finding a balance between respecting the composer’s intent and introducing a fresh perspective.



**Host:** Your choice to use the title “Maestro,” considered unconventional for a woman, has also sparked debate. What message are you trying to convey through this decision?



**Venezi:** I see the title “Maestro” as signifying mastery, regardless of gender. by embracing it, I’m asserting my expertise and challenging the gendered stereotypes often prevalent in the classical music world.



**Host:** The “Viva Puccini” special also faced criticism for a satirical opening skit involving journalist Corrado Augias. How do you respond to the negative feedback surrounding this segment?



**Venezi:** This special was a festivity of Puccini’s majestic work. While I understand the concerns voiced regarding the opening skit, I believe it’s important to separate the artistic choices made in the production as a whole from the performance itself. my focus remains on delivering a heartfelt and captivating interpretation of Puccini’s music.



**Host:** Beatrice Venezi, thank you for your insights and for sparking such passionate discussions within the world of classical music.



**Venezi:** Thank you for having me.