“Fabio Luisi has resigned as music director of Florence’s Maggio Musicale,” writes James Imam in Wednesday’s (7/17) Musical America (subscription required). “His announcement today comes on the heels of a behind-the-scenes power struggle over Cristiano Chiarot’s departure as the theater’s intendant. Although Chiarot’s contract was due to expire on July 28, last week Florence Mayor Dario Nardella announced he would reappoint Chiarot for another term. In the meantime Nardella appointed the powerful politician and theater manager Salvatore Nastasi to be president of Maggio Musicale, in essence delegating the Mayor’s role as board president to Nastasi and, according to Chiarot, stripping the intendant of his power over artistic decisions. This, despite Chiarot’s impressive track record in bringing Maggio Musicale back from the brink of financial collapse (and appointing Luisi). So Chiarot resigned, prompting Luisi to follow suit.” In the U.S., Luisi was principal conductor of the Metropolitan Opera from 2011 to 2017. He is currently music director designate of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and becomes music director with the 2019-20 season.
Posted July 19, 2019
