2015 Festival

Wednesday, June 10, 2015 – 7:30 PM
Smetana Hall, Obecni Dum
Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra and Singers with Anchorage Concert Chorus

  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra
  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Opera
  • Anchorage Concert Chorus
  • Grant Cochran, conductor
  • John Nardolillo, conductor
  • Colleeen Beucher, soprano
  • Carina DiGianfilippo, soprano
  • Jennifer Lindsay, soprano
  • Cherise Lukow, soprano
  • Laura Sayler, soprano
  • Mary Catherine Wright, soprano
  • Stephanie Kruskol, mezzo-soprano
  • Chaazi Levicek, mezzo-soprano
  • Michael Bernal, tenor
  • Josue Hernandez, tenor
  • Isaac Droscha, baritone
  • Marcelo Feirreira, baritone
  • Donald Chanslor Gallenstein, baritone
  • John Holland, baritone
  • Chistopher Kenney, baritone
  • Taeeun Moon, baritone
  • Anton Varentsov, baritone

Mozart: Overture to Le nozze di Figaro
Mozart: “Cinque, dieci” from Le nozze di Figaro
Mozart: “Non piu andrai” from Le nozze di Figaro
Mozart: “Sull’ aria” from Le nozze di Figaro
Mozart: Act II, Finale Scene ultima from Le nozze di Figaro
Paulus: Hymn for America
Dusenberry/Chochran: Alaska’s Flag
Mendelssohn: Verleh uns Frieden
Beibl: Ave Maria
Amess: Let Everything that Hath Breath
Brackett/Cochran: Simple Gifts
Trad./Cochran: The Water is Wide
Trad./Wilberg: Cindy
Durufle: Requiem
Bernstein: “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide     

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 – 7:30 PM
Vila Amerika Antonín Dvořák Muzeum
Prague, Czech Republic

Song Recital

  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Opera
  • JoAnn Kulesza, piano
Sunday, June 21, 2015 – 7:30 PM
Lichtenstein Palace, Martinů Hall
Prague, Czech Republic

Opera Scenes

  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Opera
  • Michelle Di Russo, conductor
  • Enrico Lopez-Yanis, conductor
  • Joachim Schamberger, stage director
  • Darya Zholnerova, stage director
  • Scott Rednour, piano
  • Justina Lee, piano
  • Maris Deddens, piano
  • Han Wen, piano

Scenes from:

Mozart: Die Zauberflöte
Gounod: Romeo et Juliet
Humperdinck: Hänsel und Gretel
Donizetti: L’elisir d’amore
Mozart: Così fan tutte
Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro
Britten: Albert Herring
Verdi: Othello
Strauss: Arabella

 

Wednesday, June 24, 2015 – 7:30 PM
Vila Amerika Antonín Dvořák Muzeum

Chamber Music

  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra
Thursday, June 25, 2015 – 7:30 PM
Kostel svatého Šimona a Judy
Prague, Czech Republic

Puccini: Suor Angelica

  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Opera
  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra
  • James Burton, conductor
  • Joachim Schamberger, stage director

Suor Angelica | Colleen Buecher
Principessa | Chaazi Levicek
Badessa | Brenda Iglesias
Zelatrice | Lauren Trojacek
La Maestra delle Novizie | Lauren Severson
Suor Genovieffa | Laura Salyer
Suor Osmina | Meghan Wallace
Suor Dolcina | Emilie O’Connor
La Suora Infermiera | Shayleen Norat Santiago
Prima Sorella Cercatrice | Laura Mixon
Seconda Sorella Cercatrice | Payton Judd
Novice | Sophie Gallagher
Le Converse| Francesca Reindel, Kristina Rodel

Friday, June 26, 2015 – 7:30 PM
Jazz Dock
Prague, Czech Republic

Cabaret

  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Opera
  • Catherine Nardolillo, director
  • Scott Rednour, piano
  • Justina Lee, piano
  • Maris Deddens, piano
  • Han Wen, piano
Saturday, June 27, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Sladkovský Hall, Obecni Dum
Prague, Czech Republic

Prague Proms Festival

  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra
  • John Nardolillo, conductor
  • Walter Seyfarth, clarinet

Mozart: Overture to Don Giovanni
Mozart: Clarinet Concerto | Walter Seyfarth, clarinet
Mozart: Symphony No. 38 “Prague”

Thursday, July 2, 2015 – 7PM
Estates Theatre
Prague, Czech Republic

Opera Gala

  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra
  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Opera
  • James Burton, conductor
  • Sherrill Milnes, conductor
  • John Nardolillo, conductor
  • Michelle Di Russo, conductor
  • Enrico Lopez-Yanis, conductor

Mozart: Overture to Le nozze di Figaro
Mozart: “Cinque, dieci” from Le nozze di Figaro
Mozart: “Non piu andrai” from Le nozze di Figaro
Mozart: “Zu Hülfe” from Die Zauberflöte
Mozart: “Pa Pa Pa” from Die Zauberflöte 
Mozart: “Mi Tradi” from Don Giovanni
Mozart: “Finch’han dal vino” from Don Giovanni
Mozart: “Dalla sua pace” from Don Giovanni
Donizetti: “Una furtiva lagrima” from L’elisir d’amore
Dvořák: Vodnik’s aria from Rusalka
Humperdinck: Act II, scene 2 & 3 from Hänsel und Gretel
Mozart: Overture to Don Giovanni
Mozart: “Soave s’il vento” from Così fan tutte
Mozart: “Dove sono” from Le nozze di Figaro
Mozart: “Sull’ aria” from Le nozze di Figaro
Puccini: “Mi chiamano Mimi” from La Bohéme
Delibes: “Sous le dôme epais” from Lakmé
Puccini: “Nel silenzio” from Suor Angelica
Puccini: “Senza Mamma” from Suor Angelica
Mozart: “Vorrei spiagarvi”
Offenbach: “Les oiseaux dan la charmille” from Les contes d’Hoffmann
Offenbach : “Barcarolle” from Les contes d’Hoffmann
Verdi: “Brindisi” from La Traviata
Bernstein: “Make Our Garden Grow” from Candide

Friday, July 3, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Saturday, July 4, 2015 – 2:00 PM
Saturday, July 4, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Sunday, July 5, 2015 – 7:00 PM
Estates Theatre
Prague, Czech Republic

Mozart: Don Giovanni

  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Opera
  • Prague Summer Nights Festival Orchestra
  • John Nardolillo, conductor
  • Sherrill Milnes, stage director
  • Maria Zouves, stage director
  • Josef Svoboda, production
  • Theodor Pištěk, costumes

Zerlina | Carina DiGianfilippo, Mary Catherine Wright
Donna Anna | Stephanie Kruskol, Jennifer Lindsay
Donna Elvira | Brittany Cary, Cherise Lukow
Don Giovanni | Marcelo Ferreira, Taeeun Moon
Leporello | Isaac Droscha, Christopher Kenney
Masetto | John Holland
Ottavio | Michael Bernal, Josue Hernandez
Commendatore | Donald Gallenstein

Chorus:
Esthermari Barbosa, Colleen Beucher, Theresa Egan, Sophie Gallagher, Payton Judd, Laura Mixon, Shayleen Norat Santiago, Emilie O’Connor, Francesca Reindel, Laura Salyer, Lauren Severson, Lauren Trojacek, Meghan Wallace, Brenda Iglesias, Chaazi Levicek, Jillian Mardesich, Kristina Rodel, Luis Cruz Ramos

 

 

Prague Summer Nights Festival 2015

Orchestra

Violin:
Jessica Miskelly, concertmaster
Makaila Babiarz
Amanda Burns
Heather Gosnell
Sarah Heuermann
Erica Jacobs-Perkins
Taryn Kunisaki
Chandler Martin
Miranda Martin
Maya Mccutchen
Kristen Morrill
Emily Rush
Jessie Zhu

Viola:
Lauren Nelson
William Ronning
Aline Vartanian

Cello:
Steven Farr
Joseph Gotoff
Isabelle Martin
Carolyn Ronning
Preetcharn Saund

Double Bass:
Dominic Azkoul
Alexis Corsaut
Harrison Dilthey

Oboe:
Lindsay Laird
Emilia Lopez-Yanez

Clarinet:
DaJuan Brooks
Eric Schultz

Flute:
Julie Flint
Marla Smith

Bassoon:
Fraser Farmer
Holly Smith

Horn:
Diana Pecaro
Daniel Taylor
Catherine Verbyla

Trumpet:
Todd Holland
Will Koehler

Trombone:
James Alford
Ben Knoernschild

Timpani/Percussion:
Elizabeth Kosko

Singers

Soprano:
Esthermari Barbosa
Colleen Beucher
Brittany Cary
Carina DiGianfilippo
Theresa Egan
Sophie Gallagher
Payton Judd
Jennifer Lindsay
Cherise Lukow
Laura Mixon
Emilie O’Connor
Francesca Reindel
Shayleen Norat Santiago
Laura Sayler
Lauren Severson
Lauren Trojacek
Megan Wallace
Mary Catherine Wright

Mezzo-Soprano:
Brenda Iglesias
Stephanie Kruskol
Chaazi Levicek

Tenor:
Michael Bernal
Josue Hernandez

Baritone:
Isaac Droscha
Marcelo Ferreira
Donald Chanslor Gallenstein
John Holland
Chistopher Kenney
Taeeun Moon
Anton Varentsov

 

Apprentice Programs

Conductors:
Michelle Di Russo
Enrico Lopez-Yanez

Stage Director:
Darya Zholnerova

Coaches/Pianists:
Han Wen
Maris Deddens

Arts Administrators:
Charles Calhoun
Sarah Grindle
Miranda Martin
Matthew McMahon
Maria Navarra
Evan Pulliam
Nathan Williams

Faculty

President & CEO: Neeta Helms
Artistic Director and Conductor: John Nardolillo
Festival Manager: Cameron Grimes

Festival Conductor: James Burton
Stage Director: Sherrill Milnes
Stage Director: Maria Zouves
Stage Director: Joachim Schamberger
Head of Voice Area: Catherine Clarke Nardolillo
Voice: Jeremy Aye
Coach: Scott Rednour
Coach: Justina Lee
Coach: JoAnn Kulesza
Clinician: Jelena Noskovà
Clinician: Rodney Friend
Guest Artist and Clinician: Walter Seyfarth

Festival Producer: Classical Movements

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