Orchestra

Orchestra

Members of the 2026 PSN Orchestra will perform in three major symphonic performances in beautiful and notable concert halls in Tábor, Jilhava and Prague, Czech Republic.

Instrumentalists will rehearse a rigorous concert program in preparation for up to ten performances that will be a part of PSN’s 2026 program. The Orchestra will work closely with PSN faculty and visiting clinicians, having the opportunity to take part in group sectionals and coachings and will also perform Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9 “From the New World” side-by-side with members of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Czech Philharmonic, Prague Symphony, and Prague Radio Orchestra.

During the festival instrumentalists will also have the opportunity to participate in a chamber music program, which will feature ensembles formed from members of the Prague Summer Nights orchestra. The ensembles will work closely with PSN faculty to rehearse and prepare for the chamber music performance in Prague.

New in 2026, one of the larger chamber ensembles will accompany singers in their two performances of Puccini’s Suor Angelica in Prague.

Also new in 2026, Classical Movements will be commissioning Thomas C. Duffy, Director of Bands at Yale University, to compose a new chamber music piece for one of the brass chamber ensembles, to be premiered during PSN2026’s chamber music showcase.

Lastly, the full PSN orchestra will accompany singers in their performances of Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte and Mozart’s Don Giovanni. The Mozart operas will be fully staged, beautifully costumed and performed in the Estates Theatre in Prague, a world-class and historic venue where Mozart himself premiered Don Giovanni and which is the last surviving theatre where Mozart has performed.

For our upcoming 2026 season, orchestra faculty will include players, coaches, teachers, and conductors from the Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Philadelphia Orchestra, The University of Kentucky, the Forth Worth Symphony, as well as the Czech Philharmonic, Prague Symphony and Prague Radio Orchestra.

Repertoire and performance information for PSN 2026 will be announced soon.  Please check back here regularly for updates and sign up to our mailing list for early information.

Watch the Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra perform a World Premiere

GO WHERE THE WIND TAKES YOU

Composer: Iryna Aleksiychuk | Poetry: Olena Stepanenko

Conductor: Laura Jackson

Friday July 5, 2024 | 7:00pm | Smetana Hall, Municipal House – Prague, Czech Republic

Commissioned by Classical Movements for the Taki-Alsop Conducting Fellowship, as part of the “Eric Daniel Helms New Music Program”.

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