Jean-Pierre Primiani, General Director

Recognized leader in cultural philanthropy, Mr. Jean-Pierre Primiani becomes the new General Director of the Opéra de Montréal as of November 1, 2025, after having served as Director of Development since 2017.

Under his leadership, private fundraising revenues have increased tenfold, now surpassing box office income—positioning the company as a frontrunner in individual philanthropy and laying the groundwork for a major capital campaign.

Over the past fifteen years, Mr. Primiani has built a reputation as a tireless relationship builder, an engaged ambassador for the arts, and a pioneer in the field of cultural philanthropy. His experience spans symphonic music, opera, theatre, and dance.

An active member of the AFP (Association of Fundraising Professionals), CAGP (Canadian Association of Gift Planners), and CPC (Cultural Philanthropy Conversations), he is frequently called upon to advise arts organizations and foundations on their fundraising strategies. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Université de Montréal’s Faculty of Music, on the scholarship committee of AFP Québec, and chairs the philanthropic prize jury for the Montreal International Musical Competition.

Trained as a classical singer, Mr. Primiani holds a bachelor’s degree in Italian literature from McGill University and a master’s in arts management from HEC Montréal. He also pursued advanced studies with major opera companies in the United States, conducting research on private funding models for North American opera institutions.