Opera and Oratorio

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 major cities in South Carolina: the Capital City of Columbia, the city of Greenville, Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach along the breathtaking shores of the Grand Strand, and Georgetown.

Participants accepted into the Opera and Oratorio Program will perform principal or supporting roles in fully staged orchestral opera productions in some of the finest performance venues of South Carolina.

Our 2024 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.


Messa di Gloria, Puccini
Soloist

Conductor: Maestro Gregory Buchalter, Metropolitan Opera


Hansel and Gretel, Humperdinck
Don Giovanni, W.A. Mozart

Music Director: Maestro Gregory Buchalter, Metropolitan Opera


Principal Artist Inclusions

  • Principal role in one fully-staged orchestral performance of Hansel and Gretel, Humperdinck or Don Giovanni, W.A. Mozart
  • Perform in one or more Broadway Revue under the instruction and directorship of Broadway pianist, Alex Lefevre.
  • One 60-minute voice lesson per week
  • One 60-minute coaching per week
  • Music rehearsals with the Maestro
  • Staging rehearsals with the opera stage director
  • Vocal coaching session with Broadway pianist, Alex Lefevre
  • Song and Dance Musical Theater class to learn the music to a dance number that will be fully choreographed and performed in the Broadway Revue
  • Sing in the festival chorus
  • Vocal masterclasses
  • Italian language classes
  • Masterclass in movement, stage techniques, stage combat
Roles must be memorized prior to arrival at the academy.


Comprimario Artist Cost & Inclusions:

  • Featured or supporting role in one fully-staged orchestral performance of Hansel and Gretel, Humperdinck or Don Giovanni, W.A. Mozart
  • Perform in one or more Broadway Revue under the instruction and directorship of Broadway pianist, Alex Lefevre.
  • Staging rehearsals with the opera stage director
  • Vocal coaching session with Broadway pianist, Alex Lefevre
  • Song and Dance Musical Theater class to learn the music to a dance number that will be fully choreographed and performed in the Broadway Revue
  • Perform in one voice recital - Serenata Italiana
  • Sing in the festival chorus
  • One 60-minute voice lesson per week
  • One 60-minute coaching per week
  • Music rehearsals with the Maestro
  • Staging rehearsals with the director
  • Vocal masterclasses
  • Italian language classes
  • Masterclass in movement, stage techniques, stage combat
Roles must be memorized prior to arrival at the academy


Principal & Comprimario Artist Exclusions:

  • Lodging on campus in student housing (double occupancy): $290 per week (7 nights) – Optional (participants may make their own lodging arrangements)
  • Single occupancy: $450 per week (7 nights)