Former La Scala and Salzburg Festival Leader, Alexander Pereira, Convicted of Embezzlement

Pereira has received a substantial fine, as well as a suspended prison sentence and a five-year ban on work in public service

Alexander Pereira has been convicted of embezzlement in Florence for offenses committed while he was artistic director of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.

Pereira resigned from the Maggio Musicale in 2023, after auditors raised concerns about his use of company credit cards for personal expenses — € 60,000 worth in 2021 and €14,000 during the first third of 2022.

A report by La Repubblica found that these expenses included items such as a restaurant bill in Ibiza and visits to butchers and grocery shops. Soon afterwards, police confiscated a sum of €126,000 from Pereira.

The French outlet Radio Classique reported that Pereira received a sentence comprising 22 months of suspended prison, a fine of €26,000, €1,500 in damages, and a five-year ban on any work in public service, though it should be noted that this verdict is not yet final.

Radio Classique also stated that Pereira had escaped the worst outcome, given that the prosecutor had accused him of misusing almost €35 million to pay salaries and taxes,  which, had the accusation been upheld, would have resulted in a much stronger sentence.

Pereira's lawyers said they were “satisfied, given the sharp reduction in charges and compensation claims." The final reasoning behind the judgment will be made available in August, at which time those representing Pereira will decide whether or not to appeal.

Pereira was formerly the director of institutions including the Salzburg Festival, the Zurich Opera House, and the Teatro alla Scala in Milan.