Location

Sofia, Bulgaria

Program Description

This two-credit course will engage students in collaborative performances with fellow musicians, composers, and conductors in the heart of Bulgaria. Students will perform two concerts as a chamber ensemble and collaborate with composers and conductors of various backgrounds from around the world, all while experiencing Bulgarian culture, history, and music in the capital city, Sofia.

Activities include daily practice sessions, performance opportunities, presentations by various guest artists (composers and conductors), as well as field trips and interactive workshops focused on new music and the collaborative process. In addition to visiting the Sofia Philharmonic Concert Hall and national monuments and cathedrals, we will take a field trip to visit the historic Rila Monastery and attend a live theatre performance.

Besides organized fieldtrips, students will have two free days to explore Bulgaria on their own during the program. Performing, studying, living, and traveling in Europe will be a once in a unique opportunity that will provide a memorable experience academically, musically, and personally.

Students will receive guidance and mentorship from Dr. Kira Omelchenko, the program director, as well as instructors from other guest teachers in the program. Course content will include collaborative music workshops, rehearsals and applications, performances, as well as guest lectures and seminars.

Course highlights include performing two concerts in the Sofia Philharmonic Hall in the Chamber Room, collaborating with musicians from around the world, and visits to historical landmarks and the Rila Monastery.

Location Description

As one of the old cities in Europe, Sofia is the capital and the largest city of Bulgaria. Today Sofia is a modern European capital and a center of cultural activity. Becoming the capital of Bulgaria in 1879, the city is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains and includes popular hiking destinations of Mount Vitosha. Students will stay in a hotel near the central city with many nearby options for fine shopping, dining, entertainment, and sight-seeing. The ground transportation allows easy access to many other great cities and locations. While Bulgarian is the official language in Sofia, English is spoken everywhere.

Director

Kira Omelchenko | omelchkl@jmu.edu | Music

Accommodations

Students will be housed in a hotel with shared double rooms. The hotel is located a short distance from the central city, the Sofia Philharmonic Concert Hall, and ground transportation stations, and includes free Wi-Fi access and daily breakfast. There are many restaurants and grocery stores proximate to housing and classes. 

Students will be allocated a weekly meal stipend, but should expect to spend some of their own money as well. Breakfast is included at the hotel.

Additional Items to Consider

Students will need to bring their own instruments, instrument equipment and accessories, and music either printed out or on an electronic device like a tablet.

There will be some asynchronous learning and preparation before traveling to Bulgaria. This includes practicing and preparing individual music in preparation for the concerts in Bulgaria.

Applicant Criteria

Applicants must have a GPA minimum of 2.0

Open to graduate students studying music. Open to non-JMU students.