About

Debuting in 2015 and hailed for its “high-quality productions” (Hospodářské noviny) and “sophistication” (Prague Post), Classical Movements’ Prague Summer Nights: Young Artists Music Festival (PSN) affords aspiring young professionals in the world of opera and orchestra the opportunity to perform in some of Europe’s most historic venues and offers fully-staged opera productions, orchestral performances, chamber music concerts, an opera scenes program, voice and concerto competitions, and even a cabaret concert.

The 30-day festival features up to 15 performances, coachings, masterclasses, lessons, and career development opportunities for its participants. 

In 2021, due to Covid-19 PSN made its first US appearances with an intensive 8-day residency in Old Town Alexandria, VA culminating in three sold-out performances of Die Zauberflöte at the Rectory on Princess Street – another historic venue constructed in the 1780’s. This program returned to Central Europe in 2023 and 2024, with new and exciting opportunities expanding the festival to South America in 2025.

In 2025, PSN is proud to return to the historic Estates Theater, located in the heart of one of Europe’s most beautiful and historic cities, Prague. Fully-staged performances, with orchestra, will be presented on the stage of the Estates with professional sets and historic costumes from the National Theater. 

The Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra will play all opera performances and will perform their own program at the Rudolfinum, home of the Czech National Philharmonic, as well as two other concerts of varying repertoire in Tábor and the surrounding cities of Prague. Participants will have the opportunity to perform in the PSN chamber music program where they will receive coachings with PSN faculty and visiting guest artists. Chamber music performances will be held in Tábor and the famed Rudolfinum of Prague. 

For singers, additional concerts at the festival include an opera scenes program which will feature scenes from important Czech operas such as Dvořák’s Rusalka and Smetana’s Bartered Bride as well as old time favorites from Bizet, Donizetti and Puccini. Singers will work directly with coaches and faculty from the Czech National Theater and PSN faculty on diction, language, acting and character development. A cabaret performance of music from the American Songbook and Broadway, including the music of Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Stephen Sondheim, Irving Berlin, Kurt Weill and Cole Porter will take place in a famous Prague jazz club.

Following the tremendous success with students and audiences of the Alexandria Residency, PSN is launcing a new and exciting program that will bring student musicians and performers beyond the borders of Central Europe and the States.

Our Faculty

John Nardolillo

Artistic Director and Conductor
University of Kentucky

Timothy Long

Festival Conductor
Eastman School of Music

 

Catherine Clarke Nardolillo

Head of Voice Area
Lexington, KY

Jeremy Aye

Voice
New York University

Our Cities

Prague

Prague

Prague/Praha is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is the capital of the Czech Republic and the historical capital of Bohemia. It has been a political, musical, cultural, and economic center of Europe for much of its 1,100-year existence.
Tábor

Tábor

Tábor is a charming south Bohemian town, dating back to 1420. Surrounded by historical architecture, breathtaking views, and a bustling town square, the old town has winding cobblestone streets, an ancient castle, baroque churches, underground tunnels, as well as restaurants, pubs and coffee shops.

What Our Students Say

  • “I cannot say this enough, this has been one of the most rewarding and fun opera experiences I’ve had! Not only because we were lucky enough to perform in the Estates Theater, but more so because of the camaraderie and friendships I have made, that will last a lifetime."

    Jessica Gonzalez-Rodriguez, Mezzo-Soprano

  • “It truly is a joy to be here in Prague and spending so much time with this group of people. Everyone works so hard, and when all the different parts come together, the music we create is absolutely magical. There is much pleasure in growing and bonding with a very talented group of musicians.”

    Andy Kim, Violinist

  • “Today I attended the Brass sectionals of Sibelius Symphony No. 2 and Dvorak Symphony No. 9, led by clinician Ladislav Kozderka who holds the position of principal trumpet of the Czech Philharmonic. I offered to be his personal metronome and he humbly laughed, saying "no, no, you must know this piece so much more than me!" He let me conduct the entirety of both symphonies, stopping every section to give feedback. I kept wanting to pinch my cheek because I knew all the words of wisdom was coming from one of the leaders of the orchestra that loves and owns Dvorak more than anywhere else in the world.”

    Euan Shields, Conducting Apprentice

  • Participating in this incredible program was life changing! I strongly encourage people interested to apply, you won’t regret it. Easily one of the best summers of my life ❤️

    Hayden Clarke, Arts Admin PSN 17

  • “I have had the most wonderful 4 weeks I could hope for!"

    Nico Laruina, Vocalist

  • “I really enjoyed working with Dr. Jelena Nosková in the masterclass. She had wonderful suggestions and I felt my voice blossoming in the short time we worked together. I felt that it was very valuable to get some suggestions from someone I’d never worked with before. I thoroughly appreciate having this opportunity!”

    Beth Compton, Vocalist

  • “It was a pleasure for me being part of the festival, I learned a lot in Prague! Thank you for believing in my talent.”

    Brenda I., voice

  • “Thank you so much for the opportunity! I learned so much in that month, that I’m just hoping to retain a tiny bit of it! My teacher even noticed that my high notes have improved in tone. The program was absolutely amazing, and the people you brought together for it were even more so.”

    Laura M., voice

  • “Thank you again for the incredible opportunity! I had an amazing trip and made so many memories.”

    Heather G., violin

  • “Thank you for giving me the opportunity. It was an amazing experience with countless memories. Thank you again.”

    Preet S., cello

  • "Thank you PRAGUE SUMMER NIGHTS so much for the incredible opportunity to work with you in Prague, and the amazing opportunities I’ve received!"

    Isabelle M., cello

  • “A better experience could not have taken place for me during the first annual Prague Summer Nights Festival. I will forever take with me the memories and knowledge gained during my time with many wonderful musicians.”

    Maya M., violin

  • "Prague Summer Nights was an incredible experience for me. I made friendships that will last a lifetime and learned so much about myself as a performer. Sometimes when you are engrossed in the whirlwind of hard, dedicated work it is difficult to see your own progress. Just months after the program I already feel a difference and ease of approach to my performing, as well as a greater awareness of not only what I can improve, but HOW I can improve. Having sung an opera where Mozart first conducted it is no small honor either! Thank you for the experience of a lifetime."

    Stephanie K., soprano

  • “Such an incredible experience getting a lesson and performing in a masterclass today with Walter Seyfarth, 30-year clarinetist of the Berlin Philharmonic, my favorite orchestra. My time in Prague has been a clarinetist’s dream! Very grateful.”

    Eric S., clarinet

  • “Thanks for a great summer! The Prague experience was unforgettable. Thanks again.”

    Will R., viola

  • “I just wanted to take the opportunity again to thank you for this wonderful program you have created. I am still in awe of what took place over this last month, from Smetana Hall, to the Dvorak Museum, and finally Don Giovanni at the Estates Theatre! I honestly don’t know how you did it!"

    John H., baritone