Acclaimed Italian Conductor Targeted by Left-Wing Protesters in France

On March 25th, 2022, a radical left-wing protest erupted outside the Opera de Limoges in France, triggered by the scheduled performance of renowned Italian conductor Beatrice Venezi. As one of the few women who have had the opportunity to lead orchestras of great international acclaim, Venezi’s association with Italy’s new Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and her conservative party, Brothers of Italy, drew the ire of Antifa and other leftist organizations. Notably, Venezi was appointed a music advisor in the Ministry of Culture.

The protest was orchestrated by various leftist local associations and political groups, which included Anti-Fascist Action Limousin (Antifa). Nonetheless, it was Cyril Cognéras, a former Limoges municipal councilor, association manager, trade unionist, Occitan, and Antifa activist, who initiated the call to target Venezi among his comrades.

Venezi’s political affiliations have been a topic of debate in the Italian music scene for years. In 2019, Venezi faced criticism from left-wing activist media for publicly supporting a conservative political party in Italy. Her decision to wear a shirt with the party’s logo during a concert sparked outrage among leftist members of the audience and those who support the radical left.

Venezi has since defended her political views, asserting that she advocates for traditional Italian values and national identity. However, she has also argued that her political beliefs have no bearing on her professional conduct as a conductor and that she should be evaluated solely on her artistic merit.

The controversy surrounding Venezi’s upcoming performance in Limoges is just the latest example of the dangerous tactics employed by left-wing groups across the West. In recent years, these groups have resorted to financial ruin and physical intimidation to silence anyone who objects to their agenda or does not display overt allegiance to their cause.

Other examples of such tactics include Antifa radicals in Portland, Oregon, who have used violence and vandalism to shut down conservative speakers and events, as well as Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) campaigns against Israeli academics and businesses, which have led to financial ruin and academic blacklisting. Additionally, there are “cancel culture” campaigns that target individuals who express views outside of the left’s progressive orthodoxy, leading to public shaming, job loss, and social ostracization. Online harassment campaigns are also employed, using social media platforms to target individuals with opposing views, including doxing (publishing personal information) and cyberbullying.

Despite the calls for Venezi’s cancellation, the Opera de Limoges remained silent on the matter. This inaction is deeply troubling and only emboldens those who seek to suppress opposing viewpoints through intimidation and coercion.

It is imperative that we protect the fundamental principles of freedom of expression and thought. The left’s tactics of targeting and silencing individuals who do not share their ideology pose a grave threat to these principles and a democratic society. The Opera de Limoges and other institutions must take a stand against such oppressive tactics and uphold the rights of individuals to express their views without fear of retribution.