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Varna International Music Academy

Whether you are a professional or student, conductor or instrumentalist, whether you have two weeks or four to spend in beautiful Varna, Bulgaria, attending our exceptional workshops or participating in our full-staged operas, expect one thing: you will leave performing at a whole new level.

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Tracks available in 2019

World-class opportunities

Music Academy Faculty

Gregory Buchalter

Conductor

Yuya Miyazaki

Assistant Conductor

Trey Davis

Conducting Faculty & Choir Master

Jill Burgett

Choir Master

Dale Morehouse

Stage Director & Musical Administrator

Eric Gibson

Stage Director

Raymond Feener

Vocal Instructor

Serena Hill-LaRoche

Vocal Instructor

Aidan Soder

Vocal Instructor

Jennifer Glidden

Vocal Instructor

Carol Wilson

Vocal Instructor

Marek Ruszczynski

Collaborative Pianist/Vocal Coach

Natalia Rivera

Collaborative Pianist/Vocal Coach

Lynn Kompass

Vocal Coach

Bogdan Stanev

Lead accompanist, Choral-Orchestral Track

Kamen Ivanov

Stage Combat Instructor

Galabina Stoyanova

Italian Language Coach

Our Clients Say

Testimonials
“I was able to perform with wonderfully talented and dedicated colleagues”

From singing the bass solos in the Beethoven Mass in C, to performing before the U.S. Ambassador and other dignitaries in the Bulgarian premiere of Street Scene, through the closing of an exquisite La Rondine, my time was exciting, rejuvenating, and fulfilling. I was able to perform with wonderfully talented and dedicated colleagues, some of whom are working at the highest levels in the opera world, others fellow faculty members, and still others young students just getting their feet wet.

Dr. Scott LaGraff

Professor of Music, Assistant Dean
Stephen F. Austin University
“Lives were enriched by rising to perform at previously unattainable levels”

With a faculty from the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera–Covent Garden in London, and major American universities, I saw young artists from around the world come together as their lives were enriched by rising to perform at previously unattainable levels. Many of them shared with me that they grew and learned more in a single month than they ever had in a year at home. To experience that together in the breath-taking beauty of Varna was more than one could reasonably expect.

Dale Morehouse

Associate Professor of Voice and Opera
University of Missouri-Kansas
“If I could manage it, I'd come back every summer”

I had a marvelous experience! The training that the young ones get is fantastic, and the networking afforded to me was extremely useful and helpful. Everyone was so generous with their time for me and my questions. The Cherno More Hotel was luxurious, and Varna was such a beautiful location, and the food was wonderful. If I could manage it, I'd come back every summer.

Dr. Stacey Stofferahn

Opera Singer (Soprano)
“My experience in Bulgaria transcended all my expectations”

My experience in Bulgaria transcended all my expectations. Unlike other more competitive workshops, the Varna International Conducting program cultivates a supportive collaborative environment. As an emerging female conductor, I had the opportunity to work with some extremely talented and inspirational musicians who remain my mentors and dearest friends. With a full orchestra and chorus at the tip of my baton, the experience brought my passion to a whole new level. Words cannot begin to describe how impactful this experience was for me musically and personally.

Arianne Abela

Class of 2008, Smith College, Massachusetts
“I look forward to future opportunities as do my singers”

Never before have I felt such heartfelt love of music than during the week of rehearsals during the Varna Choral-Orchestral Conducting Workshop. The focus on musical interpretation and technique was of value not only to the participating conductors, but to the singers as well. I look forward to future opportunities as do my singers.

Dr. Douglas Renfroe

Director of Choral Activities
Edison College, Florida