(5 February 2026) The review in the trade journal.
OPERA.hr – Beatrice Venezi really understands opera – by Luka Nalis. “The conductor, Beatrice Venezi, has proved to be very reliable. First and foremost, it is clear from Venezi’s text in the programme that she truly understands the opera and that she did not merely study the score to stage the production, but studied in detail the context and Weill’s accounts as recorded by contemporary witnesses (such as Theodor W. Adorno). As for the performance, Venezi kept the orchestra largely in the background, as if we were sitting in a smoky American jazz bar listening to background music. This approach was appropriate in this instance, as the orchestra represents the rhythm of the city, which, like smoke in the air, hovers over it. Although Weill’s music may seem straightforward on the surface, it is by no means so, as it demands rhythmic precision, a balance between irony and brutality, the avoidance of exaggerated caricatures, and constant stylistic shifts. Venezi rose to every challenge, conducting the orchestra with confidence and precision, almost like a choirmaster – which was no mean feat, given that the entire ensemble could rely on her. She gave directions to the singers and established a close rapport with the orchestra, without resorting to an “iron fist” approach. The orchestra was confident in what it was playing, and this was evident from the musicians” faces. They clearly enjoyed themselves throughout the performance, which certainly did not detract from the quality of the performance. The first violin was Stefano Furini.”
Read the review
(photo: Teatro Regio Parma – https://www.teatroregioparma.it/teatro-regio/#top)