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Home Programs VIMA 2026 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 2026. We will only be accepting 3–4 conductors total for our summer program, which will take place in the beautiful country of Bulgaria. 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.


Repertoire:

  • Così fan tutte, W. A. Mozart
  • From Opera to Broadway – Favorite opera scenes & Broadway selections
    •

    Option 1

    JULY 8 – AUGUST 3, 2026 (4 WEEKS)
    (ARRIVE ON JULY 7, DEPART ON AUGUST 4)
    TUITION AND LODGING PACKAGE: $9120
    • TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $6360)
    • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $2760)
    • EARLY BIRD: $1350 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $5400) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
    • FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026

    Option 2

    JULY 8 – 28, 2026 (3 WEEKS)
    (ARRIVE ON JULY 7, DEPART ON JULY 29)
    TUITION AND LODGING PACKAGE: $6840
    • TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $4770)
    • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $2070)
    • EARLY BIRD: $1350 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $4050) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
    • FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026

    Option 3

    JULY 8 – 22, 2026 (2 WEEKS)
    (ARRIVE ON JULY 7, DEPART ON JULY 21)
    TUITION AND LODGING PACKAGE: $4560
    • TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $3180)
    • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $1380)
    • EARLY BIRD: $1350 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $2700) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
    • FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026

    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
    • 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 (2025)

    JULY 19 – 31, 2025
    (ARRIVE ON JULY 18, DEPART ON AUGUST 1)
    TUITION AND LODGING PACKAGE: $4560
    • TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $3180)
    • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $1380)

    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
    • 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 (2025)

    JULY 7 – 31, 2025
    (ARRIVE ON JULY 6, DEPART ON AUGUST 1)
    TUITION AND LODGING PACKAGE: $8466
    • TUITION: $1590 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $5906)
    • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $2560)

    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
    • 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
    • Video recording 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)

    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. Varna International is available to assist participants with making travel arrangements, upon request.


    Application & Audition Requirements:

    Applicants for the Conductors Program must submit the following:

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