Participants enrolled in Varna International Music Academy (VIMA) will receive in-depth music instruction from our expert faculty and will benefit from unparalleled performance opportunities. The program will take place in the beautiful regions of Varna, Bulgaria & Italy in July 2025.


Youth Voice Program

Varna International Music Academy (VIMA) offers rich and versatile vocal and choral ensemble training for youth in Summer 2025. Applicants accepted into the Youth Voice Program will get the opportunity to train under our master voice faculty, our choir master, and Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera. Vocalists in our Youth Program will be exposed to rich oratorio, opera, and musical theater repertoire. Join singers from across the globe for this incredible experience to grow as a young singer.

Youth applicants can choose between three options to participate in our summer 2025 program in Bulgaria & Italy. Join us for one and a half weeks, two and a half weeks, or come to enjoy all four weeks of singing.

NOTE: Advanced applicants are encouraged to apply for VIMA’s opera program and audition for roles in the program’s fully staged opera or musical theater productions. To be considered for a role, please submit a headshot, resumé, & video recording. Otherwise, only an application & resumé are required.

Option 1: Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle (Bulgaria & Italy)


What's Included:
  • Perform in the chorus of Petite messe solennelle by Gioachino Rossini under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • One 45-minute voice lesson per week taught by a Metropolitan Opera singer
  • Perform in our Youth Recital (must apply & submit an audition recording)
  • Daily ensemble rehearsals with Choir Master
  • Vocal masterclasses
  • Italian diction classes (optional)
  • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation

Option 2: Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, & A Grand Night for Singing (Italy only)


What's Included:
  • Perform in the ensemble of the fully staged (including scenery & costumes) of the operas Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the ensemble of A Grand Night for Singing under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • One 45-minute voice lesson per week taught by Metropolitan Opera singers
  • Perform in our Youth Recital (must apply & submit an audition recording)
  • Daily ensemble rehearsals with Choir Master
  • Vocal masterclasses
  • Italian diction classes (optional)
  • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation

Option 3: Rossini’s Petite messe solennelle, Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, & A Grand Night for Singing (Bulgaria & Italy)


What's Included:
  • Perform in the chorus of Petite messe solennelle by Gioachino Rossini under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the ensemble of the fully staged (including scenery & costumes) of the operas Suor Angelica & Gianni Schicchi by Giacomo Puccini under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the ensemble of A Grand Night for Singing under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • One 45-minute voice lesson per week taught by Metropolitan Opera singers
  • Perform in our Youth Recital (must apply & submit an audition recording)
  • Daily ensemble rehearsals with Choir Master
  • Vocal masterclasses
  • Italian diction classes (optional)
  • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation

Application & Audition Requirements:

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

  • Application
  • Resumé
  • Headshot (only if wanting to be considered for a solo)
  • Video recording from within the past 12 months containing:
    • One classical piece
    • One musical theater 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.



Youth Instrumentalist Program

Participants enrolled in Varna International Music Academy’s (VIMA) Youth Instrumental Program will receive in-depth music instruction from our expert faculty and will benefit from unparalleled performance opportunities alongside world-class expert artists. This program will take place in the beautiful region of Northern Italy. Participants accepted in VIMA’s Youth Instrumental Program will be placed into either the Chamber Instrumental Program or the Orchestral Program based on their audition. Please see below to learn what is included in each program.

Chamber Instrumental Program:
  • Perform in chamber music opportunities
  • One 45-minute individual lesson per week with a master teacher
  • One 2-hour group sectional rehearsal led by master principal players
  • Two-hour group music coaching to prepare for the chamber recital
  • Participation in the Youth Recital
  • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation
Orchestral Program:
  • Perform in the Festival Orchestra for Suor Angelica, Gianni Schicchi, & A Grand Night for Singing (when applicable to the score) under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera.
  • Perform in chamber music opportunities
  • One 45-minute individual lesson per week with a master teacher
  • One 2-hour group sectional rehearsal led by master principal players
  • Two-hour group music coaching to prepare for the chamber recital
  • Participation in the Youth Recital
  • Lodging in 3 and / or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation

Dates & Tuition Information:


Application & Audition Requirements:

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

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


What’s Included in the Orchestral Program:
  • Perform in the Festival Orchestra of Petite mess solennelle under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • 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
  • One 45-minute individual lesson per week with a master teacher
  • 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 Youth Recital
What’s Included in the Chamber Instrumental Program:
  • Perform in chamber music opportunities
  • One 45-minute individual lesson per week with a master teacher
  • 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 Youth Recital


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: $1335)
    • 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: $1635)
    • 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. Varna International is available to assist participants with making travel arrangements, upon request.