Instrumentalist

Participants enrolled in Varna International Music Academy (VIMA) will receive in-depth music instruction from our master faculty and will benefit from unparalleled performance opportunities alongside world-class master artists. Instrumentalists seeking to develop a professional performing career as an orchestral and chamber musician are eligible to apply for this program which takes place in the beautiful regions of Northern Italy and Sicily.

The Festival Orchestra will feature internationally recognized artists from prestigious orchestras and renowned educational institutions. Participants will be assigned a position in the orchestra under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter of the Metropolitan Opera and under the tutelage of the lead master artists in the orchestra within their respective sections. Auditions are required for all positions. Participants in this program will also receive coaching and preparation for the chamber music recitals under the tutelage of master artists. Instrumentalists who pass the audition process successfully will get the opportunity to perform in the following works:


Dates & Tuition Information:


What's Included:
  • Perform in the Symphony Orchestra Program
    • Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges: Symphony No. 1
    • Wagner: Siegfried-Idyll
    • Copland: Hoe Down from Rodeo
    • Mendelssohn: Symphony No. 4 "Italian"
  • Perform in the Festival Orchestra for Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the Festival Orchestra for A Grand Night for Singing: A Musical Revue of Rodgers & Hammerstein under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera (if applicable to the score)
  • One 2-hour group sectional rehearsal led by master principal players
  • Two-hour group chamber music coaching to prepare for the instrumental chamber recital
  • Participation in the student chamber recital
  • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation (excluding airport transfers)

Application & Audition Requirements:

Applicants for the Instrumentalist Program must submit the following:

  • Application
  • Resumé
  • Video recording from within the past 12 months containing solo repertoire or works performed with piano or orchestral accompaniment


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.