Jean-Louis Petit studied organ, harpsichord, theory, and composition (primarily with Olivier Messiaen) at the Paris Conservatoire (CNSM). He also studied conducting in Paris with Léon Barzin, in Venice with Franco Ferrara, in Santiago, Madrid, and in Monaco with Igor Markevitch, and in Basel with Pierre Boulez.

A winner of the Mitropoulos Competition in New York, he has conducted orchestras in several countries, presenting a diverse range of symphonic repertoire. He has premiered (and overseen the commissioning of) numerous pieces written for groups with which he regularly works, i.e., the Jean-Louis Petit Orchestra and AMVA92.

His recordings of works by Mouret, Lulli, Rameau, Campra, Marin-Marais, Blavet, and Naudot for the DECCA International’s Grand Siècle Collection were awarded two major recording industry prizes. An ardent defender of historical repertoire and an advocate for the promotion of contemporary music, Jean-Louis Petit’s extensive talent as a conductor has brought him before concert-goers of all persuasions.

His vast catalogue of works comprises pieces for orchestra, chamber music, concertos, oratorios, and seven operas.