Detailed Opera Studio and Vocal Academy Overview

The Prague Summer Nights Opera Program offers singers a month-long intensive course of study with esteemed international faculty and performances in historic venues in Tabor and Prague. Singers will have the rare opportunity to perform on the famed Estates Theatre stage, where Mozart conducted the premier of Don Giovanni in 1787. For four weeks singers participate in rehearsals, lessons and coachings, culminating in public performances for sold out, enthusiastic audiences. Participants perform in professional opera productions with our Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra, costumes, award winning sets and experienced staff from the Estates Theatre.
Join the Prague Summer Nights Opera Studio and sing a lead role in Die Zauberflöte or Le Nozze di Figaro. Be part of a professional opera company and evolve your talent in a charming 19th century setting. Our experienced opera coaches will guide you through scenes from Czech operas and other standard repertoire. Singers also have the opportunity to perform in a cabaret setting and showcase their skills at the famous Reduta jazz club in Prague. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your opera career. The following is an overview of what you can expect during the 2025 festival:
 

Opera Program

Die Zauberflöte

Le Nozze di Figaro 

Both productions will be working from the Schirmer score editions.

(Weeks 1,2,3)

Daily rehearsals
   Sing-In (all singers)
   Private coachings and music rehearsals as assigned
   Daily staging rehearsals as assigned
Masterclasses in Czech diction with Timothy Cheek
Masterclasses in German diction and lieder with Dietlinde Maazel.
Three private voice lessons
A typical day may include a masterclass or acting workshop in the morning, and/or a block of staging in the morning and afternoon, and a coaching or lesson in the evening.

(Week 4)

Performances: July 10, 11, 12, 13  with the Festival Orchestra at the Estates Theatre, Prague
1 sitzprobe with orchestra per cast
1 piano tech rehearsal on stage per cast
1 dress rehearsal on stage per cast
1 performance on stage per cast
   The chorus (as assigned) will perform 2 performances of each opera

Opera Scenes (as assigned)

Fully staged, with piano, conducted by Prague Summer Nights apprentices

Weeks 1, 2 

Rehearsals as assigned 
Individual and group coachings
Staging rehearsals with faculty director or Prague Summer Nights apprentice director, conducting apprentices

 

Cabaret

Individual coachings as assigned

 

Additional Offerings

Masterclasses – Sing and Observe
Dietlinde Maazel- Castleton Festival

Jelena Noskova- Czech National Opera

Optional Private Lessons 
To be determined. Stay tuned for more information. 

 

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