Gail Melick Scholarship Fund

 

 

 

Gail with members of Classical Movements during a visit to Chicago

Applications for the 2026 Gail Melick Scholarship Fund have now closed, and this year’s awards have been granted. We extend our sincere appreciation to all applicants for their inspiring submissions and for their commitment to artistic excellence and community.

The 2026 Gail Melick Scholarship Recipients are

Miyako Louise Cornelius
Festival Coordinator
Student
Eastman School of Music

Viktoria Sarkadi
Assistant Coach
Colaborative pianist & vocal coach
University of Michigan

Olympia Hatzilambrou
Assistant Stage Director
Drector, Composer & Performer 
Harvard University

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 with support from John Hart 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 2026

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.

*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

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

Eligible Positions 2026

Festival Coordinator
Reports to: Festival Manager
Pre-Festival Dates (Internship): May 25 – June 12, 2026
Festival Dates: June 15 – July 13, 2026

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 Director
Location: Tábor and Prague, Czech Republic
Festival Dates: June 15 – July 13, 2026

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 in his honor by Classical Movements with support from John Hart.

Gail attended Prague Summer Nights each year from 2015 to 2019 and then later for Alexandria Summer Nights in 2021 and 2022.

More about Gail

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

  • Prague Summer Nights is the highest quality complete opera learning experience I have had in any summer program. I had a great time working with the faculty and a lot of fun traveling with everyone!

    Anthony Larson (Opera)

  • “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

  • I had such an incredible experience being a part of PSN2025! From the incredible coaching to amazing performance opportunities, I would highly recommend this program to any young singer who might be looking to further their artistry. Not only will you get to work with other talented singers, but also get to work with a faculty that are just amazing human beings, which I must say has been hard for me to find at other programs/festivals.

    Jacob Lann (Opera)

  • It was an honor and a privilege to be a part of PSN 2025. Each day I learned something new from a colleague or faculty member. I was in awe of not only the locations we worked in, but of the dedication of the musicians surrounding me. I loved being able to share my joy and love of music with so many incredible musicians and people both on and off stage. I hope to return in the future, and PSN has earned a spot on the top 10 coolest experiences I've had to date!

    Kate Kaczmarek (violinist)

  • “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