Conducting

Conducting Program

A limited number of assistant conductors will be selected to participate in the festival.

Conducting Apprentices will participate in the preparations for the productions of Mozart’s operas Don Giovanni and Le nozze di Figaro, and will conduct these works extensively in staging rehearsals with the cast and chorus. Apprentices will attend and participate in orchestra rehearsals and concerts and have the opportunity to conduct the orchestra in rehearsals.

Each Apprentice conductor will be given 30 minutes of podium time during each PSN concert period (90 minutes total). Festival repertoire during this period is Schubert Symphony No. 8, Dvorak Symphony No. 7, Dvorak Symphony No. 9, Brahms Symphony No. 2.

Apprentice Conductors will prepare and conduct a fully staged opera scenes program, which will include scenes from important Czech operas such as Rusalka and Prodaná nevěsta (The Bartered Bride), in addition to standard operatic repertoire. Students will work directly with coaches and faculty on all aspects of presenting opera.

Conducting Apprentices will have intensive mentoring from the festival conductors, take private lessons and coachings with the Prague Summer Nights faculty, and have opportunities for resume building, social media, networking and audition preparation. They will have the opportunity to participate in vocal and instrument specific masterclasses.

In addition, students will gain practical experience through administrative activities in the logistical and operational aspects of running an orchestra, producing an opera and mounting an international summer music festival.

All program fees and conditions apply as listed on the Application Information page.

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

  • Conducting in the opera scenes program
  • 90 mins of orchestral podium time working on major symphonic repertoire
  • Fully staged productions of Mozart’s Don Giovanni and Le nozze di Figaro
  • Masterclasses with members from major orchestras 
  • Conducting lessons and coachings with the Prague Summer Nights faculty
  • Masterclasses with visiting guest faculty

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