Varna International

Our flagship

Varna International Music Academy

Varna International Music Academy Since 1999, VIMA has offered in-depth music training and unparalleled performance opportunities to musicians from around the world. We offer a variety of programs, including Oratorio, Opera, Choral Singer, Instrumentalist, Conducting, and Collaborative Pianist.

In the summer of 2025, VIMA will offer two exciting programs in Europe and in the USA. VIMA in Europe will take place in Bulgaria and in the beautiful region of Veneto in Northern Italy. VIMA in the USA, will take place in major cities of South Carolina, including the State’s capital, Columbia, the historic city of Greenville, Rock Hill and Myrtle Beach along the breathtaking shores of the Grand Strand. All 2025 VIMA participants will be eligible to apply for future Varna International Productions in Europe and the USA.
To see our past performance venues, please click here
To get a glimpse of our past productions, please click here

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Participants Say

Testimonials

“The Opera Academy was truly extraordinary”

The Opera Academy was truly extraordinary. For the program to present 3 fully staged operas with orchestra, and a masterworks concert in only 4 weeks is remarkable.. Everyone was able to grow and learn together and learn from each other…

Lydia Bechtel, opera singer (Soprano)

“I gained experience as if I had a fest contract in an opera house!”

I got to sing two full operatic roles at an opera house with their full-time orchestra, chorus, director, conductor, props, costumes, sets, make-up artists and wonderful teachers/coaches. I gained experience as if I had a fest contract in an opera house!

Evan Dunn, opera singer (Bass)

“The tools I gained…have truly changed my life”

The faculty and staff are absolutely wonderful and go above and beyond to help you achieve amazing things. The tools I gained from such an intensive and thorough program have truly changed my life and my ability as a whole.

Deyvion Norris, opera singer (Tenor)

“The teachers and coaches really cared about your growth and success”

Everyone - from the faculty, the administration, the professional musicians, the opera house staff, and the Bulgarian people - were warm, welcoming, and made for a great learning environment. It was such a supportive experience and the teachers and coaches really cared about your growth and success. This program is unique in that it is full of opportunities for both developing young artists who are still in school and also for advanced singers making the shift into professional work.

Kelly Birch, Opera Singer

“The musical experience was an exceptional learning opportunity”

Wonderful people, a rich culture, a beautiful country, delightful food and wine, an education on language and economy. The musical experience was an exceptional learning opportunity to become familiar with a great work in depth, from both singing and conducting (being conductedIt was a privilege to be able to participate.