Conductors

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.

Option 1: Bulgaria

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
  • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation (excluding airport transfers)

Option 2: Italy

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
  • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation (excluding airport transfers)

Option 3: Bulgaria & Italy

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
  • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation (excluding airport transfers)

Application & Audition Requirements:

Applicants for the Opera, Musical Theater, & Oratorio Program must submit the following:

  • Application
  • Resumé
  • Video recording showing the applicant conducting a choral, orchestral, or choral/orchestral piece


Optional Add-Ons & Exclusions:

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.