Orchestra

PSN 2026 Orchestra Program

Prague Summer Nights’ 2026 Orchestra Program offers advanced orchestral players an immersive month of rehearsals, coachings, and performances in some of the Czech Republic’s most celebrated venues, including Smetana Hall, the Estates Theatre, and the Rudolfinum. Members of the 2026 Orchestra will perform in three major symphonic performances, take part in an intensive chamber music program, participate in a chamber-opera production of Puccini’s Suor Angelica, and accompany fully staged performances of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and Don Giovanni in the historic Estates Theatre, the only theater still standing where Mozart conducted, and where he led the premiere of Don Giovanni in 1787. Throughout the opening weeks of the festival, musicians work closely with PSN’s faculty, guest conductors, and players from leading Prague orchestras through rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses.

PSN welcomes back returning faculty and guest artists, including Artistic Director John Nardolillo, conductors Michelle Di Russo and Sahar Nouri, violinists Amy Oshiro of The Philadelphia Orchestra and Borika van den Booren of the Concertgebouw Orchestra, clarinetist Ricardo Morales of The Philadelphia Orchestra, violist Dominik Trávníček of the Czech Philharmonic, trumpeter Ladislav Kozderka of the Prague Philharmonia, and cellist Eduard Šístek of the Czech Philharmonic.

This season’s repertoire includes Brahms’s Symphony No. 2, Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 in Mahler’s orchestration, Sibelius’s Violin Concerto, and Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” performed side-by-side with members of major European orchestras.

Program Highlights 2026

  • Three major symphonic performances in Tábor, Jihlava, and Prague
  • Side-by-side performance of Dvořák’s New World Symphony with members of major European orchestras, including the Concertgebouw and Czech Philharmonic
  • Fully staged opera performances of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and Don Giovanni in the Estates Theatre
  • Chamber Music Showcase at the Rudolfinum’s Suk Hall
  • Chamber-opera performance of Puccini’s Suor Angelica
  • Premiere of a new brass work by Thomas C. Duffy
  • Daily rehearsals, sectionals, and masterclasses with returning PSN faculty and Prague orchestral clinicians

Orchestra Program Performances and Repertoire 2026

June 21, Tábor – Orchestral Performance
Divadla Oskara Nedbala

  • Mozart, Overture to Die Zauberflöte
  • Gabriella Smith, f(x)=sin2x-1/x
  • Sibelius, Violin concerto, Amy Oshiro, violin
  • Brahms, Symphony No. 2


June 26, Jihlava – Orchestral Performance (Mahler Festival)
Venue TBA

  • Gabriella Smith, f(x)=sin2x-1/x
  • Mozart, Clarinet concerto, Ricardo Morales, Clarinet
  • Mahler, Blumine
  • Schumann, Symphony No. 4, Mahler orchestration


June 30, Prague – Chamber Music Performance
Suk Hall, Rudolfinum
Featuring chamber ensembles comprising wind, brass, and string players from the PSN Orchestra Program.

July 1, Prague – Chamber-opera Performance | 6pm | 8pm
Church of St. Simon and Jude

  • Puccini – Suor Angelica
    Conducted by Michelle Di Russo


July 4, Prague – Orchestral Performance
Smetana Hall, Municipal House

  • Gabriella Smith, f(x)=sin2x-1/x
  • Mozart, Overture to Don Giovanni
  • Concerto or concert piece TBA
  • Dvořák, Symphony No. 9 “From the New World”

July 9, Prague – Opera Performance
Estates Theatre
Mozart – Die Zauberflöte (Sahar Nouri)

July 10, Prague – Opera Performance
Estates Theatre
Mozart – Die Zauberflöte (Sahar Nouri)

July 11, Prague – Opera Performance
Estates Theatre
Mozart – Don Giovanni (John Nardolillo)

July 12, Prague – Opera Performance
Estates Theatre
Mozart – Don Giovanni (John Nardolillo)

Chamber Music & New Music 2026

PSN instrumentalists participate in the Chamber Music Program, receiving coaching with PSN faculty and Prague-based clinicians. Ensembles may include

  • String quartets and trios
  • Wind quintets
  • Brass quintets
  • Mixed-instrument ensembles
  • Larger chamber groups when instrumentation permits


Assignments are made from our cohort of wind, brass, and string instrumentalists, allowing nearly every participant to engage in chamber repertoire. A small number of exceptional instrumentalists may be invited to perform both in a traditional chamber ensemble and in the Suor Angelica chamber group.

Repertoire will be selected once the 2026 roster is finalized, drawing from

  • Classical and Romantic chamber works
  • Czech and Central European repertoire
  • 20th-century and contemporary pieces
  • Mixed-instrument combinations
  • Occasional larger chamber works


All chamber ensembles perform in the June 30 Chamber Music Showcase in the Suk Hall of the Rudolfinum.

Additional projects include

  • Chamber ensemble performances for Puccini’s Suor Angelica
  • The world premiere of a new brass work by Thomas C. Duffy (Yale University)
    *Full details about the commissioned work—including instrumentation and duration—will be announced at a later time.

Application Information

The PSN Orchestra Program is designed for advanced university, conservatory, and pre-professional instrumentalists with significant ensemble experience and a strong interest in symphonic, operatic, and chamber repertoire. For details regarding audition guidelines, deadlines, tuition, scholarships, and housing, please visit our Application Info page.

What Our Students Say

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • 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)

  • “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