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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


    Bulgaria

    DATES: JULY 7 – 20, 2025
    (Arrive on July 6, depart on July 21)
    TUITION: $500 PER WEEK (2-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL COST: $1000)
    **EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $375 PER WEEK (2-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $750)**
    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.)

    Bulgaria & Italy

    DATES: JULY 7 – 25, 2025 (Arrive on July 6, depart on July 26)
    TUITION: $500 PER WEEK (2-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL COST: $1500)
    **EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $375 PER WEEK (3-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $1125)**
    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.)

    Optional Add-Ons & Exclusions:

    Accommodations:
    Participants can choose between making their own lodging arrangements or adding on one of the following hotel options to your overall package.

    • 3-Star Hotel Package: $890 per week (TOTAL COST: $3560)
      • 7-nights lodging in double occupancy
      • Ground transportation from the hotel to the conservatory once daily
      • Ground transportation from the hotel to performances
      • Two meals daily (breakfast & dinner)
    • 4-Star Hotel Package: $1090 per week (TOTAL COST: $4360)
      • 7-nights lodging in double occupancy
      • Ground transportation from the hotel to the conservatory once daily
      • Ground transportation from the hotel to performances
      • Two meals daily (breakfast & dinner)
    Tips & Gratuities:
    An additional $10 per day will be added to your tuition price to cover all tips & gratuities on provided services & personnel. 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.