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Home Programs VIMA 2026 Track Details
Opera Musical Theater

Opera, Musical Theater, & Oratorio

World-class training and performances

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 alongside world-class master artists. The program will take place in the beautiful country of Bulgaria.

Participants accepted into the Opera & Musical Theater Program will perform principal or supporting roles in fully staged orchestral opera productions and orchestral musical theater productions under the baton of our Music Director, Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera.

Our 2026 VIMA participants will be eligible to audition for future Varna International Productions in Europe and the USA. Apply for one of the options below and join us for an unforgettable summer of music:


Opera

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

JULY 8 – AUGUST 3, 2026
(ARRIVE ON JULY 7, DEPART ON AUGUST 4)
TUITION AND LODGING PACKAGE: $8720
  • TUITION: $1490 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $5960)
  • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $2760)
  • EARLY BIRD: $1265 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $5060) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
  • FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026

Option to apply for a role in Così fan tutte with piano accompaniment for reduced tuition of $1290 per week (TOTAL TUITION: $5160).
EARLY BIRD: $1095 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $4380) BY JANUARY 20, 2026.

What's Included:

  • Principal or comprimario (supporting) role in one fully staged orchestral performance of Così fan tutte, under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera (ROLES MUST BE MEMORIZED PRIOR TO ARRIVAL)
  • Consideration to become a soloist in “From Opera to Broadway,” favorite opera scenes & Broadway selections with full orchestra
  • Perform in the chorus and ensemble of Così fan tutte and “From Opera to Broadway,” under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera, when not performing a role
  • Perform in one Liederabend recital (optional)
  • Voice lessons and coaching:
    • Lead roles: One 45-minute voice lesson per week, taught by our expert voice faculty
    • Comprimario roles: Two 45-minute voice lessons per week, taught by our expert voice faculty
    • One 30–45-minute coaching per week (depending on role or solo) with one of our master opera and musical theater coaches
  • Music rehearsals with Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Staging rehearsals with the stage director
  • Vocal masterclasses with the voice faculty
  • Italian diction classes
  • Lodging in 3 and/or 4-star hotels, with breakfasts provided
  • Ground transportation (excluding airport transfers)


Musical Theater

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: $7920
  • TUITION: $1290 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $5160)
  • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $2760)
  • EARLY BIRD: $1095 TUITION PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $4380) BY JANUARY 20, 2026 (PLUS $2760 LODGING)
  • FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026
Option 2: JULY 15 – AUGUST 3, 2026 (3 WEEKS)
(ARRIVE ON JULY 14, DEPART ON AUGUST 4)
TUITION AND LODGING PACKAGE: $5940
  • TUITION: $1290 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $3870)
  • LODGING: $690 PER WEEK (TOTAL LODGING: $2070)
  • EARLY BIRD: $1095 TUITION PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $3285) BY JANUARY 20, 2026 (PLUS $2070 LODGING)
  • FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026
What's Included:

  • Solo(s) in “From Opera to Broadway,” favorite opera scenes & Broadway selections with full orchestra, under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the chorus and ensemble of Così fan tutte and “From Opera to Broadway,” under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in one Liederabend recital (optional)
  • Voice lessons and coaching:
    • Two 45-minute voice lessons per week, taught by our expert voice faculty
    • One 30–45-minute coaching per week with one of our master opera and musical theater coaches
  • Music rehearsals with Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Vocal masterclasses with the voice faculty
  • Italian diction classes
  • 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 Program must submit the following:

  • Application
  • Resumé
  • Headshot
  • Video recording from within the past 12 months:
  • Opera & Musical Theater Applicants:
    • Two contrasting arias or art songs in their original language
    • One musical theater piece from before 1970


Optional Add-Ons & Exclusions:

Tips & Gratuities:
An additional $10 per day will be added to your tuition price to cover all tips and gratuities on provided services and 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.