The Muzika. Festival will return to South Carolina this June for its fifth season, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of its parent organization, Varna International.
What began as a world-traveling production company has established South Carolina as its permanent cultural home, bringing international performers and emerging artists to local stages.
The 2026 season will be led by Gregory Buchalter of the Metropolitan Opera and will feature more than 50 faculty members mentoring and performing alongside more than 300 emerging artists from around the world.
“For 25 years, Varna International has brought world-class artistry to stages around the globe,” said Kalin Tchonev, festival director. “Over the past five years, South Carolina has become the vibrant center of that work. Muzika. demonstrates that our state belongs on the international cultural stage.”
2026 Featured Performance Lineup
Sacred Service by Ernest Bloch
June 11, 7:30 p.m.
Koger Center for the Arts
A choral work that kicks off the festival’s signature concert series.
From Stage to Screen
June 12, 7:30 p.m.
Koger Center for the Arts
A musical journey through 80 years of Broadway favorites and iconic Hollywood film scores.
The Magic of Broadway (Regional Tour)
June 9, 7 p.m. – Icehouse Amphitheater
June 14, 7 p.m. – Ground Zero
June 15, 7 p.m. – Hartness Performing Arts Center
Little Women: The Musical
June 20, 7 p.m., and June 21, 3 p.m.
Lexington Two Performing Arts Center
A Broadway adaptation of the novel by Louisa May Alcott.
Carmen by Georges Bizet
June 27 at 1 and 7 p.m.; June 28 at 3 p.m.
Lexington Two Performing Arts Center
A fully staged production of the classic opera.
Detska Kitka: Bulgarian Female Youth Choir
Various dates
An award-winning youth choir from Plovdiv, Bulgaria, performing folklore and contemporary choral music while celebrating the sister-city relationship with Columbia.
Festival organizers estimate the event generates $1.46 million in direct local spending and more than $1.5 million in total annual economic impact. A key part of the mission is the Varna International Music Academy, which awards about $250,000 in scholarships each year to support emerging artists.
Tickets and the full performance schedule are available online, and early reservations are encouraged due to limited seating at several venues.
