Donate
Donate
Home Programs VIMA 2025 Track Details

Collaborative Pianists

World-class training and performances

Varna International Music Academy (VIMA) is offering a unique summer program for pianists. Applicants are being given the choice of either a 2-week or 3-week program offering pianists the opportunity to learn from master opera coaches and chamber instrumental pianists. Only 5-6 applicants will be selected for this opportunity, which will take place in the beautiful regions of Varna, Bulgaria and Northern Italy. VIMA Bulgaria & Italy is performing the following this summer, which will give our collaborate pianist participants many ours of experience:


  • Suor Angelica by Giacomo Puccini
  • Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini
  • A Grand Night for Singing: A Musical Revue of Rodgers & Hammerstein
  • Petite messe solennelle by Gioachino Rossini
  • Serenata Italiana (recitals of Italian pieces performed by our vocal participants)
    •

    Those wanting to join us for an unforgettable summer of music should do the following:

    1. Apply for one of the works/recitals listed above
    2. Rank your choices from the works/recitals listed above (we will try to accommodate your first choice)
    3. Submit a video recording of a musical theater piece, an opera piece, and a solo classical piece


    Option 1: Bulgaria

    DATES: JULY 7 – 17, 2025
    (Arrive on July 6, depart on July 18)
    TUITION AND LODGING PACKAGE: $2035
    • TUITION: $500 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $855)
    • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $1180)
    **EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $1820 TOTAL PACKAGE**

    What's Included:
    • Assignment of Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, an act from A Grand Night for Singing, a movement from Peitie messe solennelle, and/or a portion of music for the Serenata Italiana recitals to rehearse with VIMA participants under the supervision of the master coaches / pianists on VIMA faculty
    • Total of 6 hours of playing time during the following:
      • One 60-minute piano lesson per week with a master piano faculty member
      • Vocal coachings with the master opera / musical theater coaches (These sessions will be coachings with the vocalists for Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, A Grand Night for Singing, Petite messe solennelle, and Serenata Italiana. During these coachings, you will have the opportunity to learn multiple ways: watching, listening, accompanying, and coaching the vocalists yourself.)
      • Accompany private voice lessons taught by Metropolitan Opera vocalists
    • Participation in all masterclasses and sessions (diction classes, stage combat, choreography, etc.)
    • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
    • Ground transportation (excluding airport transfers)

    Option 2: Bulgaria & Italy

    DATES: JULY 7 – 25, 2025 (Arrive on July 6, depart on July 26)
    TUITION AND LODGING PACKAGE: $3398
    • TUITION: $500 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $1428)
    • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $1970)
    **EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $3040 TOTAL PACKAGE**

    What's Included:
    • Assignment of Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, an act from A Grand Night for Singing, a movement from Petite messe solennelle, and/or a portion of music for the Serenata Italiana recitals to rehearse with VIMA participants under the supervision of the master coaches / pianists on VIMA faculty
    • Total of 6 hours of playing time during the following:
      • One 60-minute piano lesson per week with a master piano faculty member
      • Vocal coachings with the master opera / musical theater coaches (These sessions will be coachings with the vocalists for Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, A Grand Night for Singing, Petite messe solennelle, and Serenata Italiana. During these coachings, you will have the opportunity to learn multiple ways: watching, listening, accompanying, and coaching the vocalists yourself.)
      • Accompany private voice lessons taught by Metropolitan Opera vocalists
    • Participation in all masterclasses and sessions (diction classes, stage combat, choreography, etc.)
    • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
    • Ground transportation (excluding airport transfers)

    Application & Audition Requirements:

    Applicants for the Collaborative Pianists Program must submit the following:

    • Application
    • Resumé
    • Video recording from within the past 12 months containing:
      • A musical theater piece
      • An opera piece
      • A solo classical piece


    Optional Add-Ons & Exclusions:

    Tips & Gratuities:
    An additional $10 per day will be added to your tuition price to cover all tips & gratuities on provided services & personnel.

    Single Occupancy:
    An additional $490 per week ($70 per day) will be added to your tuition price for single occupancy lodging.

    Air Travel:
    Participants are responsible for arranging all air travel. This includes international flights to and from VIMA as well as the domestic flight from Bulgaria to Italy during the program. Varna International is available to assist participants with making travel arrangements, upon request.