Event Details
Varna Summer International Music Festival 2026 – 100th Anniversary Edition
The International Music Festival "Varna Summer" marks its 100th anniversary in 2026, making this the most extraordinary edition in the history of Bulgaria's oldest music festival. From 27 June to 14 October 2026, Varna once again becomes one of Europe's premier classical music destinations. The festival draws world-class orchestras, soloists and ensembles to the scenic Black Sea coast, offering a rich and diverse programme of symphonic music, chamber concerts, opera, ballet and more.
Highlights 2026
- Official Opening on 27 June 2026 at the Festival and Congress Centre with the Varna State Opera Symphony Orchestra conducted by Delyana Lazarova
- BBC Symphony Orchestra London – Closing concert on 14 October 2026 at the Palace of Culture and Sports
- Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra with Vladimir Jurowski and Julia Fischer – 6 September 2026
- Camerata Salzburg with Guillaume Chilemme – 30 June 2026
- Vienna Chamber Orchestra performs Mozart – 24 July 2026
- European Union Youth Orchestra – 18 August 2026
- International Symposium dedicated to Slavic Music – 1 to 3 September 2026
- Philadelphia Boys Choir and Chorale (USA) – 12 July 2026, Archaeological Museum courtyard
- Special concert marking the 100th anniversary of the very first festival performance: 23 July 2026
- "Varna Summer for Children" educational concert series
Program
The centenary programme spans three and a half months and is structured across several modules. The Main Programme focuses on symphonic and chamber music; additional strands include the Music Laboratory Varna featuring Renaissance and Baroque music, the International Summer Music Academy, crossover projects and an Accompanying Programme of exhibitions, films and conferences. Concerts take place across multiple venues including the Festival and Congress Centre (main stage), the Varna State Opera, the Archaeological Museum courtyard, the City Art Gallery and the Palace of Culture and Sports.
Selected concert dates:
- 27 Jun 2026 – Official Opening, FCC Hall 1, 8:00 PM
- 29 Jun 2026 – Orchestre Royal de Chambre de Wallonie, Belgium, 7:00 PM
- 30 Jun 2026 – Camerata Salzburg, 7:00 PM
- 24 Jul 2026 – Vienna Chamber Orchestra performs Mozart, 7:00 PM
- 18 Aug 2026 – European Union Youth Orchestra, 7:00 PM
- 06 Sep 2026 – Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra, 7:00 PM
- 11 Sep 2026 – Concentus Musicus Wien, 7:00 PM
- 13 Sep 2026 – I Virtuosi del Teatro alla Scala, 7:00 PM
- 14 Oct 2026 – Official Closing: BBC Symphony Orchestra London, 7:00 PM
Tickets
Tickets for individual concerts are available at the Festival and Congress Centre box office, open daily from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM (break 3:30–4:00 PM), and online via the FCC Varna website. Prices vary by concert and venue; many events are free of charge or very affordable. Premium concerts such as the Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra and BBC Symphony Orchestra closing concert require advance booking.
About the Festival
The International Music Festival "Varna Summer" was founded in 1926 by prominent figures of Varna's cultural community, including the composers Pancho Vladigerov and Dobri Hristov. It is a member of the European Festivals Association (EFA) since 1987, and has continuously held the prestigious EFFE Label for European Festival Quality since 2015. In 2019, it also received the EFA Audience Award. The Festival's Artistic Director is Prof. Mario Hossen.
Visitor Tips
- Most concerts begin at 7:00 PM; the Opening Concert starts at 8:00 PM.
- Book tickets for headline concerts (Berlin, BBC, Scala) well in advance as they sell out quickly.
- Varna is easily reached by air via Varna Airport (VAR) with direct flights from several European cities.
- The Sea Garden (Primorski Park) along the coast is perfect for a stroll before or after concerts.
- Summer temperatures in Varna range from 25 to 30°C; smart casual or light formal attire is suitable for evening concerts.
- Full programme and accreditation information available at varnasummerfest.org.
