San Carlo Theatre Under Scrutiny: Allegations of Embezzlement and Fraud
Naples, Italy – A new storm is brewing over the prestigious San Carlo Theatre in Naples as financial police conduct extensive searches and seizures as part of an investigation into alleged financial irregularities. Twelve individuals have been indicted, including the former superintendent, Stéphane Lissner, on charges of embezzlement, fraud, and false accounting. The probe, led by the Naples Public Prosecutor’s Office, focuses on the previous financial management of the renowned institution, with particular attention to alleged extra payments totaling 212,000 euros for non-existent masterclasses.
The Bombshell Allegations: Uncovering a Pattern of Irregularities
The investigation, which runs parallel to an inquiry by the Court of Auditors into alleged waste during Lissner’s tenure, has brought to light a series of questionable practices. Among the key findings, financial police have identified the creation of two unbudgeted managerial positions in April 2020: a general director role assigned to Emmanuela Spedaliere and a human resources director to Maria Pia Gaeta (who is not under investigation). Further scrutiny has fallen on the hiring of Michele Sorrentino Mangini, Spedaliere’s son, in April 2023, for a directorial role in the Officine San Carlo initiatives. Investigators allege a clear conflict of interest, as Spedaliere reportedly co-signed her son’s contract alongside Lissner.
Phantom Masterclasses and Inflated Artist Fees
Perhaps the most damning allegations revolve around the so-called ‘masterclasses’ – a scheme allegedly used to channel additional compensation to internationally renowned artists. According to investigators, these extra payments were disguised as teaching fees for masterclasses that were never actually held. The additional teaching contracts were reportedly used as a workaround to pay higher fees to artists, a tactic allegedly suggested by former coordinator Ilias Tzempetodonis. Documentation obtained by the financial police indicates that these masterclasses, supposedly part of the Academy’s program, were never scheduled.
In total, an estimated 212,000 euros were allegedly paid to foreign artists, including Jonas Alexander Kaufmann, Claus Christoph Karl Ludwig Guth, Sandra Dee Lear, Asmik Grigorian, and Krzysztof Warlikowski, for these non-existent teaching engagements and masterclasses. These artists, hailing from Germany, the United States, Lithuania, and Poland, are among the twelve individuals now facing charges.
Key Figures Under Investigation
The list of those indicted includes:
- Stéphane Lissner (former superintendent)
- Viviana Jandoli
- Maria De Simone
- Daniela Capece
- Jonas Alexander Kaufmann
- Claus Christoph Karl Ludwig Guth
- Sandra Dee Lear
- Asmik Grigorian
- Krzysztof Warlikowski
- Ilias Tzempetodonis (former coordinator)
- Emmanuela Spedaliere
- Michele Mangini Sorrentino (Spedaliere’s son)
During the ongoing searches, authorities have seized documents and several mobile phones as evidence. The investigation aims to unravel the full extent of the alleged financial misconduct and determine accountability for the reported misuse of public funds.
The Wider Context: A Pattern of Mismanagement?
This latest development adds another layer to the ongoing scrutiny of Lissner’s management at the San Carlo Theatre. The Court of Auditors’ parallel investigation is examining broader allegations of waste, including concerns about appointments, competitions, and the management of the Officine San Carlo at Vigliena – a facility established within the Foundation’s orbit in the former Cirio factories in San Giovanni a Teduccio.
The unfolding scandal at the San Carlo Theatre raises serious questions about transparency and accountability within public cultural institutions, highlighting the need for rigorous oversight to prevent potential abuses of power and financial impropriety.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_aprile_15/san-carlo-perquisizioni-e-sequestri-indagine-for-truffa-falso-e-peculato-lissner-e-spedaliere-sotto-accusa-a63172d9-e056-4167-8fad-6422b1785xlk.shtml
