Montreal Opera

What Montreal Opera does

Opéra de Montréal is a non-profit performing arts organization founded in 1980 and registered as a Canadian charity (charitable number 104004569 RR0001). It presents professional opera productions primarily at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Place des Arts, Montreal, under the leadership of Director General Jean-Pierre Primiani (since November 1, 2025) and Artistic Director Michel Beaulac (Famille Zhao-Ionescu). The company operates as the premier French-language opera company in North America, with bilingual programming and a 45+ year history spanning over 1,200 performances, 120+ operas, 70 new productions, and 11 original creations. Its core product is full-scale operatic production, including co-productions with major North American opera houses (Canadian Opera Company, Vancouver Opera, Washington National Opera, Dallas Opera), supplemented by the Atelier lyrique — a bilingual two-year professional development residency established in 1984 that has trained over 200 opera singers, pianists, and stage directors.

The business model is a multi-stream non-profit revenue mix: ticket sales (single tickets from CAD $39 via Ticketmaster, plus Classic, Flex, and Youth subscription packages offering 20-30% discounts), corporate sponsorships (Visionary Artistic Patron, Production, Programming, and Experiential tiers), and donations/philanthropy. The philanthropy stream has become dominant — under Primiani's prior tenure as Director of Development (2017-2025), private fundraising revenues grew 10x and now exceed box office receipts. The organization also runs a substantial social impact and education program (school workshops, adapted performances for visually impaired audiences, healthcare-based concerts via SAMS, and health/wellness programs such as RESPIRER for long COVID patients), funded in part by annual benefit events (Gala Talent corporate tables at CAD $15,000-$50,000; Nessun Dorma at CAD $1,250-$1,500 per ticket). The company is supported by a philanthropy team of eight dedicated staff and a board chaired by René Branchaud (Lavery), with Vanda Treiser as a major institutional sponsor of the Atelier lyrique.

The technology stack is operationally thin and entirely third-party: Ticketmaster handles ticketing, Dialog Insight manages email marketing, Google Cloud provides data storage, and Connec-T delivers accessibility services. There is no proprietary platform, no AI/ML deployment, and no public API. Distribution is concentrated in the Greater Montreal area, with a headquarters at 260 boulevard de Maisonneuve Ouest and a box office at Place des Arts. Primary customer segments are diversified general opera audiences, young adults (18-34) via discounted pricing, families, school groups, accessibility patrons, and corporate sponsors — with no concentrated enterprise dependency.

Name

Montreal Opera

Legal name

Opéra de Montréal

Website

https://operademontreal.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Opéra de Montréal is a non-profit opera company founded in 1980 that produces full-scale operatic productions at Place des Arts in Montreal, serving general audiences, young adults, schools, accessibility patrons, and corporate sponsors through ticket sales, subscriptions, and a growing philanthropy program.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Performing Arts - Opera

NAICS

Theater Companies and Dinner Theaters (711110), Other Performing Arts Companies (711190)

SIC

Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Opera & Operetta (MPAGABAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Regional & Repertory Theatre Companies (MPAGABAB), Theatre Services & Design (Scenic/Costume/Props/Stage Management) (MPAGABAO)

Keywords

• Opera productions
• Performing arts
• Artist training programs
• Opera subscriptions
• Cultural philanthropy

Headquarters

HQ city

Quebec

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Ticket Sales: Individual opera tickets sold through Ticketmaster online platform, phone, and in-person at Place des Arts box office. Dynamic pricing with tickets starting at $39. Subscriptions provide up to 30% discount.
2. Donations and Philanthropy: Charitable donations from individual patrons and corporate sponsors. Registered charity #104004569 RR0001. Major fundraising events include Gala Talent (individual tickets $1,500, corporate tables $15,000-$50,000) and Nessun Dorma benefit evening ($1,250-$1,500). Under director Jean-Pierre Primiani, private funding revenues multiplied by ten, exceeding box office receipts.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Corporate partnerships at various levels including Visionary Artistic Patron, Public Partners, Programming Partners, Production Partners, and Experiential Partners. Sponsorship revenue supports operations alongside traditional ticket sales.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Opéra de Montréal is a non-profit opera company that presents full-scale opera productions at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier in Place des Arts, including a 2026-2027 season featuring Turandot, Werther, Rigoletto, and a world premiere. The company also operates the Atelier lyrique, a two-year bilingual professional development residency program for emerging opera singers, pianists, and stage directors. Revenue is generated through ticket sales, subscriptions, corporate sponsorships, and individual philanthropy.

Product overview

Opéra de Montréal operates as a professional opera company presenting full-scale productions at Place des Arts in Montreal. The core offering consists of mainstage opera productions (Turandot, Werther, Rigoletto for the 2026-2027 season), complemented by the Atelier lyrique—a bilingual two-year professional development residency for singers, pianists, and stage directors. Ticketing is handled through subscription packages (Classic at 30% off, Flex at 20% off, and youth tiers) and individual tickets via Ticketmaster. The organization also operates extensive Social Impact and Education programs including school workshops, accessibility services, and health/wellness initiatives. Fundraising events (Gala Talent, Nessun Dorma) support the company's mission. Since 1980, the company has produced over 120 operas across 1,200+ performances.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Atelier lyrique: Bilingual professional development program for opera singers, pianists, and stage directors operating within Opéra de Montréal. Provides 360-degree training including artistic development, language training, stage experience, personal development, career development, creation, and community outreach.

Products and services

• Turandot (2026-2027 Season Opening) Large-scale opera production of Puccini's Turandot, performed by professional singers, orchestra, and chorus with elaborate staging. Performed September 26-October 4, 2026 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts. Coproduced with Washington National Opera and Dallas Opera.
• Werther by Massenet Romantic opera production of Massenet's Werther, coproduced with Canadian Opera Company and Vancouver Opera. Performances November 21, 26, and 29, 2026 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts.
• La Lettre au général Franco (World Premiere) World premiere of a new opera created by Opéra de Montréal, drawing inspiration from Fernando Arrabal's cult text. Performed February 27 through March 7, 2027 at Pierre-Mercure, Centre Pierre-Péladeau.
• Der Rosenkavalier (Concert Version) Concert version of Strauss's Der Rosenkavalier, presented in coproduction with Orchestre Métropolitain. Performed January 28-31, 2027 at Maison symphonique.
• Rigoletto by Verdi Classic Verdi opera Rigoletto, staged by François Racine, revisiting Victor Hugo's Le Roi s'amuse. Performances May 1, 4, 6, and 9, 2027 at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier.
• Le Requiem de Mozart Concert performance of Mozart's Requiem by Atelier lyrique artists, held at Salon Richmond 1861 on October 21-22, 2026.
• Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Montréal Bilingual professional development residency program for emerging opera singers, pianists, and stage directors. A two-year program offering artistic training, stage experience, career development, and community outreach. Established in 1984, it has trained over 200 artists.
• Gala Talent 2026 Annual fundraising gala combining the National Auditions finals with a gourmet dinner on the Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier stage. Corporate table packages range from $15,000 to $50,000; individual tickets at $1,500. Scheduled for November 10, 2026.
• Nessun Dorma Benefit Event Exclusive fundraising event celebrating outgoing Artistic Director Michel Beaulac's 20+ year tenure. Includes Turandot premiere viewing, cocktail, and dinner with artists. Individual tickets from $1,250-$1,500; corporate table at $15,000. Scheduled for September 26, 2026.
• Season Subscriptions (Abonnement) Subscription packages offering 20-30% discounts on opera tickets. Options include Classic Subscription (3 operas, 30% off), Flex Subscription (2 operas, 20% off), and youth subscriptions (15% off for ages 18-34, 50% off for 17 and under).
• Individual Opera Tickets Single tickets for opera performances at various price points starting at $39. Available through Ticketmaster with dynamic pricing based on demand and seat category.
• Youth Tickets (18-34) Discounted ticket program for young adults ages 18-34, featuring $34 single tickets and 15% off subscriptions. Includes priority access to pre-show cocktail events.
• Gift Certificates (Certificats-cadeaux) Gift certificates available in denominations of $50, $100, $150, or $200, redeemable for any opera tickets or subscriptions.
• National Auditions Annual competitive audition process for the Atelier lyrique residency program. Held across Canadian cities (Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal, Toronto) and online, culminating in a Talent Gala with prize money ($10,000 jury prize, $5,000 audience choice, $1,000 for all finalists).
• Social Impact and Education Programs Community outreach initiatives including school workshops, adapted performances for disabilities, health and wellness programs (RESPIRER for long COVID, La voix harmonisée for transgender women, Chantons! for oncology patients), and concerts in healthcare settings through partnership with Société pour les arts en milieux de santé (SAMS).
• School Performances and Workshops Age-appropriate opera experiences for schools including Mélom'âne (puppet show for preschoolers), Lionel et Mary (folk music concert for primary students), and free dress rehearsals for specialized arts schools.

Quantifiable outcome

• 200+ artists trained through Atelier lyrique since 1984
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Partnerships

Nine partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• Canadian Opera CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for Werther with Canadian Opera Company and Vancouver Opera. Collaborative production sharing resources and talent across Canada's major opera houses.
• Vancouver OperacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for Werther alongside Canadian Opera Company. Three-way coproduction combining Western Canadian and Quebec opera resources.
• Washington National OperacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for Turandot alongside Dallas Opera and Opéra de Montréal. North American partnership bringing large-scale production to Montreal.
• Dallas OperacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoproduction partner for Turandot with Washington National Opera and Opéra de Montréal.
• Orchestre MétropolitaincoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrchestral partner for Der Rosenkavalier concert version. Local Montreal orchestra providing live musical accompaniment for mainstage productions.
• Place des ArtscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPrimary performance venue and box office partner. Provides Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier and other performance spaces. Manages centralized ticketing system shared with Opéra de Montréal.
• Connec-TsupportingImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAccessibility partner providing audio description services for visually impaired patrons across three productions (Turandot, Werther, Rigoletto).
• Société pour les arts en milieux de santé (SAMS)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership delivering opera concerts to hospitalized patients and CHSLD residents through the Concerts SAMS program.
• Cultural Partners (Various)supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor15+ cultural organizations offering subscriber discounts including: Accès Montréal, Canadian Architecture Centre, Centre du Théâtre d'aujourd'hui, Cinéma Cinéma, Duceppe, Grands Ballets, Maison Théâtre, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, McGill Museum, Pointe-à-Callière Museum, Salle Bourgie, Théâtre Prospero.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights10 records

Regional players

• Manitoba Opera: Winnipeg-based regional opera company presenting a three-production season. Comparable mid-sized Canadian opera organization with similar non-profit governance, mixed ticket/philanthropy funding, and mainstage scale.
• Pacific Opera Victoria: Victoria, BC-based regional opera company producing smaller-scale seasons. Comparable as a Canadian non-profit opera organization with similar subscription/ticket/donation revenue mix, though operating at a smaller scale in a different Western Canadian market.
• Opéra Royal de Wallonie-Liège: French-language regional opera company in Belgium presenting full-scale opera seasons. Comparable as a French-language European opera institution of similar regional scale facing similar audience-development and public-funding dynamics.

Direct peers

• Canadian Opera Company: Canada's largest opera company based in Toronto, active coproduction partner with Opéra de Montréal on Werther. Directly comparable as a fellow Canadian professional opera producer presenting mainstage seasons with chorus, orchestra, and guest international artists.
• Vancouver Opera: Western Canada's leading professional opera company and the third coproduction partner on Werther. Closely comparable in scale, repertoire mix, and Canadian-market focus, presenting a multi-opera season with chorus and orchestra at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
• Calgary Opera: Alberta-based professional opera company producing a multi-title season at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Comparable in size, mid-tier Canadian opera scale, mix of classics and contemporary work, and registered-charity funding model.
• Edmonton Opera: Alberta-based professional opera company producing multi-title seasons at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium. Comparable scale, repertoire choices, and Canadian regional-opera funding economics.
• Opéra de Québec: Quebec City-based professional opera company producing mainstage seasons at Palais Montcalm. Highly comparable as a fellow French-language Canadian opera company with overlapping donor base, repertoire, and artistic pool in the Quebec market.

Broad incumbents

• San Francisco Opera: Major U.S. opera company with an internationally recognized Adler Fellowship young-artist program (where Opéra de Montréal's Atelier lyrique director Jennifer Szeto trained). Useful as a broader-incumbent reference for how a regional opera's training pipeline can scale into major international placements.

Emerging players

• Atelier lyrique de l'Opéra de Paris: Paris Opera's in-house young-artist residency program, the international benchmark for opera training programs. Directly comparable to Opéra de Montréal's own Atelier lyrique in mandate (singer/pianist/stage-director development) and educational scope.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/operademontreal
• YouTubeyoutube.com/operademtl
• Facebookfacebook.com/23275515418
• LinkedInca.linkedin.com/company/opera-de-montreal

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles19 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Montreal Opera