Prague Summer Nights: Young Artists Music Festival has renewed the contract of Artistic Director John Nardolillo and appointed Derek Maseloff as Festival Director.

Following a highly successful 2023 season with 14 performances in four Czech cities, the festival, produced by Classical Movements and CEO Neeta Helms, continues to cultivate emerging talent in the international opera and orchestral scene.

The 2024 Prague Summer Nights Festival will revisit the historic Estates Theatre for performances of Mozart’s “Le nozze di Figaro” and “Don Giovanni,” with additional orchestral concerts planned. This season introduces a new partnership with Czech Philharmonic musicians, who will mentor the Festival Orchestra for a July concert at Prague’s Smetana Hall.

Prague Summer Nights Festival provides emerging talents with the chance to showcase their skills through a range of performances, including opera, symphony, chamber music, and cabaret, in Europe’s historic venues. It also offers practical experience for aspiring conductors, directors, coaches, composers, and arts administrators.

“Prague Summer Nights is already one of the world’s top young artists programs, and I believe in the coming years we will elevate the program to new heights. I am thrilled for the opportunity to continue this collaboration with John and Neeta and look forward to the future of the festival,” Festival Director Derek Maseloff said in an official statement.

CEO Neeta Helms added, “I am incredibly excited to continue building this wonderful program in its ninth season. Under John’s direction, Prague Summer Nights has become an internationally recognized festival offering world-class instruction to hundreds of singers, orchestral musicians, conductors, and directors. With this continuity in our festival leadership, Prague Summer Nights will continue to serve as the launching pad for the careers of so many deserving young artists,”

Artistic Director John Nardolillo in his statement said, “The Prague Summer Nights Festival is a beautiful experience of life-changing music-making for everyone involved. I’m thrilled about the upcoming season, and look forward to being back in Prague this coming summer.”