Gail with members of Classical Movements during a visit to Chicago
In Memory of
Gail Marven Melick
(1928 – 2025)
A visionary banker, cultural advocate, and humanitarian who was a great believer and supporter of Prague Summer Nights, whose name will now live on with a Scholarship created by Classical Movements in his honor. Gail attended Prague Summer Nights each year from 2015 to 2019 and then later for Alexandria Summer Nights in 2021 and 2022.
Read more about Gail Melick
Gail Melick
was a remarkable figure who bridged the worlds of finance, public service, and the arts. Born on a farm in Iowa, he began his career as a Navy journalist before earning a philosophy degree at Carleton College and an MBA from the University of Chicago. He went on to spend more than three decades at Continental Illinois Bank, rising to Chief Operating Officer of one of the largest banks in the United States and CEO of several companies. His expertise also led him to serve on President Nixon’s Economic Commission, where he helped shape national financial policy.
Yet Gails’s life was never confined to banking. A member of the Vatican Arts Council and Board member to the Chicago Lyric Opera, he combined his professional acumen with a deep commitment to culture and humanitarianism. He traveled to more than 140 countries, cultivated eclectic passions from fine wines to mushrooms, and built a reputation as a global citizen with a generous spirit. For Classical Movements, he was a trusted advisor and close friend until 2025, lending his wisdom and international perspective to the company’s tours and projects.
Gail’s legacy is one of vision, integrity, and service. Establishing a scholarship in his name for young artistic leaders at Prague Summer Nights honors the way he united management expertise with cultural leadership. It ensures that future generations of arts administrators and musicians carry forward his belief that strong institutions, guided by both rigor and humanity, can enrich society across borders.
Gail and Neeta, Founder & President of Classical Movements and Prague Summer Nights
Gail helping to sell tickets at the Estates Theatre for the four Mozart operas of Prague Summer Nights: Young Artists Music Festival
Gail attending Serenade! Choral Festival in Washington DC in 2017, another festival created by Classical Movements
For this upcoming season, in addition to its other scholarships, Prague Summer Nights is pleased to announce the Gail Melick Scholarship Fund, created by Classical Movements in honor of Gail who was a long-time client and supporter of Classical Movements and our Prague Summer Nights festival.
Selection Criteria
In keeping with Gail’s legacy of supporting emerging artists, the new scholarship awards will be granted to students who demonstrate exceptional musical talent, clear artistic leadership potential, and meaningful financial need. These scholarships are intended to support promising young artists as they take significant steps forward in their professional development and careers.
Eligible Positions for the 2026 Season
The newly established Gail Melick Scholarship will award $2,500–$4,000 to two to three exceptional applicants each season, supporting select artistic leadership positions that will rotate annually. These prestigious awards are offered in addition to the regular scholarships provided each year by Classical Movements.
~ Festival Coordinator (Arts Administration Program)
~ Assistant Coach (Coaching Program)
~ Assistant Stage Director (Stage Directing Program)
*For the 2026 season, the three positions eligible for the Gail Melick Scholarship are outlined below.
How to Apply
Students who wish to be considered for these awards must apply using this form, attaching a letter further describing their specific qualifications in the following areas:
• Strength and breadth of your performance background and/or theatrical training
• Demonstrated artistic leadership, initiative, and contributions within your musical communities
• Future artistic goals and projects that reflect a commitment to excellence, growth, and meaningful impact in the field
• Financial need and how this scholarship would meaningfully support your continued artistic development
Evaluations
Evaluations
Students will be evaluated by the artistic staff of the Prague Summer Nights festival based on their audition materials and their letter submitted with their Gail Melick Scholarship application form.
For the 2026 season, the three positions eligible for the Gail Melick Scholarship are outlined below
Festival Coordinator
Festival Dates: June 15 – July 13, 2026
Pre-Festival Dates (Internship): May 25 – June 12, 2026
Compensation: Full Tuition Scholarship + Modest Pre-Festival Stipend
Reports To: Festival Manager
Collaborates With: Entire Arts Administration Team, Artistic Director, Chamber Music Coordinator, Conductors, Directors, Faculty, Czech Venue Staff, Classical Movements Marketing Team
Assistant Coach
Reports to: Head Coach & Head of Voice
Location: Tábor and Prague, Czech Republic
Festival Dates: June 15 – July 13, 2026
Assistant Stage Director
Reports to: Assigned Opera’s Stage Director
Location: Tábor and Prague, Czech Republic
Festival Dates: June 15 – July 13, 2026