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Home Programs VIMA 2026 Track Details

Choral Singers

World-class training and performances

The National Music Academy by Varna International offers rich and versatile choral ensemble training, led by Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera and our Choir Masters. Choral singers will have the choice of being exposed to oratorio, opera, musical theater, and Broadway. Join singers from throughout the country for world-class training and performances in major cities of South Carolina, including the Capital City of Columbia, as well as the cities of Greenville, and Myrtle Beach along the breathtaking shores of the Grand Strand.

NOTE: Choral singers are also encouraged to apply for featured and supporting roles in the academy’s fully staged opera or musical theater production. To be considered for a role, please submit a video audition and resumé with your application form (see audition requirements). Otherwise, only an application & resumé is required.


OPTION 1: Sacred Service, Ernest Bloch & From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics

DATES: JUNE 1 – JUNE 14, 2026
(ARRIVE ON MAY 31, DEPART ON JUNE 15)
TUITION: $1190 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $2380)
EARLY BIRD: $1012 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $2024) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026

What's Included:
  • Perform in the ensemble during From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the chorus of Sacred Service, by Ernest Bloch
  • One 45-minute voice lesson per week, taught by our expert voice faculty
  • Ensemble rehearsals with the Choir Master
  • Masterclasses
    • Careers in Music Round Table discussion with Rachel Calloway, Director of Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina
    • Vocal Masterclasses with the voice faculty
  • German diction classes (optional)
  • French diction classes (optional)
  • Make up masterclasses

OPTION 2: Sacred Service, Ernest Bloch & From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics

DATES: JUNE 1 – JUNE 21, 2026
(ARRIVE ON MAY 31, DEPART ON JUNE 22)
TUITION: $1190 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $3570)
EARLY BIRD: $1012 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $3036) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026

What's Included:
  • Perform in the ensemble during From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the chorus of Sacred Service, by Ernest Bloch
  • One 45-minute voice lesson per week, taught by our expert voice faculty
  • Ensemble rehearsals with the Choir Master
  • Masterclasses
    • Careers in Music Round Table discussion with Rachel Calloway, Director of Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina
    • Vocal Masterclasses with the voice faculty
  • German diction classes (optional)
  • French diction classes (optional)
  • Make up masterclasses

OPTION 3: Carmen, Georges Bizet; Sacred Service, Ernest Bloch; From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics

DATES: JUNE 1 – JUNE 28, 2026
(ARRIVE ON MAY 31, DEPART ON JUNE 29)
TUITION: $1190 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $4760)
EARLY BIRD: $1012 PER WEEK (TOTAL TUITION: $4048) BY JANUARY 20, 2026
FINAL REGISTRATION DEADLINE: APRIL 15, 2026

What's Included:
  • Perform in the chorus of the three fully staged orchestral performances of Carmen under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the ensemble during From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics under the baton of Maestro Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera
  • Perform in the chorus of Sacred Service, by Ernest Bloch
  • One 45-minute voice lesson per week, taught by our expert voice faculty
  • Ensemble rehearsals with the Choir Master
  • Staging rehearsals with the Stage Director
  • Masterclasses
    • Careers in Music Round Table discussion with Rachel Calloway, Director of Spark: Music Leadership at Carolina
    • Vocal Masterclasses with the voice faculty
  • German diction classes (optional)
  • French diction classes (optional)
  • Make up masterclasses

Application & Audition Requirements:

Applicants for the Choral Singer Program must submit the following:

  • Application
  • Resumé
  • Video audition only if applying for a featured or supporting role in opera or musical theater

Optional Add-Ons & Exclusions:

Accommodations:
Columbia: Lodging will be in student campus housing. Participants are welcome to make their own lodging arrangements, if preferred.

  • Double occupancy: $350 per week (7 nights)
  • Single occupancy (single bath NOT included): $525 per week (7 nights)
Meals:
Columbia: A meal plan is available for $35 per day. This includes 3 meals each day provided by Columbia International University (CIU). Participants who opt for the meal plan must pay for the entire service. Dietary restrictions will be accommodated.

Ground Transportation:
Transportation is included for those that add lodging to their program package, but participants are responsible for their own transportation to and from the airport.