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Home Programs VIMA 2025 Track Details

Conductors

World-class training and performances

Varna International Music Academy (VIMA) is offering a unique and extremely exclusive opportunity for conductors in the summer of 2025. We will only be accepting 3-4 conductors total for our summer program, which will take place in the beautiful regions of Varna, Bulgaria and Northern Italy. Our conducting program is designed for conductors with moderate to advanced conducting skills and for the first time, VIMA is offering conductors a choice between two options full of exciting opportunities.

Bulgaria

DATES: JULY 7 – 20, 2025
(Arrive on July 6, depart on July 21)
TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (2-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $3180)
**EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $1192 PER WEEK (2-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $2385)**
What's Included:
  • Weekly conducting sessions with Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera (these will be group sessions for the 3-4 conductors chosen for the program)
  • Assist the Maestro during the preparation process of the opera, musical theater, and oratorio works during the program’s time in Bulgaria
  • Conduct a string ensemble during a chamber music performance
  • Days full of conducting education and experiences, such as:
    • Two 3-hour opera rehearsals for Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi daily
    • Two 3-hour rehearsals for A Grand Night for Singing daily
    • Multiple choral rehearsals daily for Petite messe solenelle
  • Videorecording of your podium time during a choral or orchestral performance or rehearsal

Italy

DATES: JULY 21 – 31, 2025
(Arrive on July 20, depart on August 1)
TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (1½-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $2385)
**EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $1192 PER WEEK (1½-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $1788)**
What's Included:
  • Weekly conducting sessions with Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera (these will be group sessions for the 3-4 conductors chosen for the program)
  • Assist the Maestro during the preparation process of the opera, musical theater, and oratorio works during the program’s time in Bulgaria
  • Conduct a string ensemble during a chamber music performance
  • Days full of conducting education and experiences, such as:
    • Two 3-hour opera rehearsals for Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi daily
    • Two 3-hour rehearsals for A Grand Night for Singing daily
    • Multiple choral rehearsals daily for Petite messe solenelle
  • Videorecording of your podium time during a choral or orchestral performance or rehearsal

Bulgaria & Italy

DATES: JULY 7 – 31, 2025
(Arrive on July 6, depart on August 1)
TUITION: $1248 PER WEEK (4-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $4990)
**EARLY BIRD SPECIAL: $936 PER WEEK (4-WEEK PROGRAM TOTAL: $3742)**
What's Included:
  • Weekly conducting sessions with Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera (these will be group sessions for the 3-4 conductors chosen for the program)
  • Assist the Maestro during the preparation process of the opera, musical theater, and oratorio works during the program’s time in Bulgaria
  • Conduct a string ensemble during a chamber music performance
  • Days full of conducting education and experiences, such as:
    • Two 3-hour opera rehearsals for Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi daily
    • Two 3-hour rehearsals for A Grand Night for Singing daily
    • Multiple choral rehearsals daily for Petite messe solenelle
  • Videorecording of your podium time during a choral or orchestral performance or rehearsal

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.