Muzika! returns: South Carolina set to host a global music celebration this June

Get ready for an unforgettable musical journey as Varna International Music Academy announces the lineup for the 2025 Muzika! season, under the artistic direction of Gregory Buchalter from the Metropolitan Opera. From June 2 to June 29, audiences across South Carolina—including Columbia, Lexington, Greenville, Rock Hill, Myrtle Beach, and The Grand Strand—will enjoy over 25 dynamic performances.

Varna International, based in Columbia, SC, specializes in classical concerts and international music training academies, and brings to the state their experience conducting large-scale choral-orchestral concerts and fully staged operas in over 30 nations throughout Europe, the Mediterranean, Canada, and the United States. This year’s festival will celebrate 80 years of Broadway classics and iconic Hollywood film scores, featuring fully staged operas, a Broadway musical, an orchestral concert with Brahms performed by a world-renowned violinist, and powerful recitals by Metropolitan Opera soloists. Additionally, master artists will present chamber music performances, promising an enriching experience for every classical music lover.

With a commitment to elevating the cultural landscape of South Carolina, Festival Director Kalin Tchonev shared his ambitious vision for the Muzika! festival: “By gathering the finest musicians from across the country and cultivating excellence in classical music, the Muzika! festival saturates South Carolina with the highest level of artistic expression, bringing prestige, honor, and recognition to the citizens of our state.”

Attendees who benefit from immersion in a world class musical experience aren’t the only ones to receive a boon. Local businesses enjoy opportunity and visibility while musicians gain unparalleled world-class training. VIMA, the non-profit division of the organization, offers aspiring musicians of all levels the opportunity to hone their craft by providing expert music training, and creating unparalleled performance opportunities in venues globally, such as the Kennedy Center, Lincoln Center, Smetana Hall in Prague, and Musikverein in Vienna.

Former participant and opera singer Deyvion Norris shares, “I could go on and on about this amazing program. The faculty and staff are absolutely wonderful and go above and beyond to help you achieve amazing things… The tools I gained from such an intensive and thorough program have truly changed my life and my ability as a whole. Thank you Varna, for all of the magic you brought to my life, and expanding the horizons of what I do.”

Local businesses gain visibility in the community. They have the opportunity to sponsor and actively engage in enhancing the economic and artistic impact of the festival by hosting artists, sponsoring performances, and supporting various festival initiatives. For sponsorship opportunities and to engage with the festival, reach out to [email protected]

Festival Highlights:
1. From Stage to Screen: An Evening of Broadway Favorites & Hollywood Classics
June 13, 7:30 PM | Koger Center, Columbia

2. Brahms Violin Concerto & Symphony No. 1
June 14, 7:30 PM | Koger Center, Columbia
June 16, 7:00 PM | Hartness Performing Arts Center, Greenville

3. Rodgers & Hammerstein: A Grand Night for Singing
June 15, 3:00 PM | Richland Two Performing Arts Center, Columbia
June 21, 7:00 PM | Ground Zero, Myrtle Beach
June 23, 7:00 PM | Hartness Performing Arts Center, Greenville

4. Johann Strauss’ Die Fledermaus
June 28 (1 PM & 7 PM) & June 29 (3 PM) | Lexington Two Performing Arts Center
For a full listing of all the performances and to purchase your tickets: www.muzikafestival.com