The amount of 270,000 euros raised through sponsorships and donations at the 17th edition of the Royal Charity Concert, held on 25 October, will be invested in the next generation of artists.

According to a press release sent to AGERPRES on Tuesday, the funds will support the development of the Young Talents national programme, through which the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation provides scholarships, mentoring and promotional opportunities to talented young musicians and visual artists with limited financial means.

In 2027, in addition to the Young Talents scholarships, the project will provide opportunities and resources for hundreds of young people working in the arts sector. Contemporary art will also be promoted to the next generation in communities across the country.

Applications for the 2027 edition of the Young Talents scholarships will open in November.

In the presence of Margareta, Custodian of the Crown, Prince Radu, Princesses Sofia, Maria and Elena, representatives of the diplomatic community and leaders of partner companies, the audience enjoyed a superb musical performance by baritone Mihai Damian, an Operalia laureate, and soprano Georgiana Dumitru, a former Young Talents scholarship recipient. They were accompanied by the Royal Camerata, conducted by maestro Tiberiu Soare, and the Preludiu - Voicu Enachescu Chamber Choir, led by conductor Andrei Stanculescu.

The programme explored musical worlds created by great composers in an evening that showcased both the power of the performances and the talent of artists at important stages in their careers.

Before the concert, Prince Radu addressed the guests, highlighting the importance of supporting young talent and the role each person in the audience plays in backing this cause. His message pointed out a sense of belonging to a large family, united by the belief that the future of a young artist can be transformed through commitment and solidarity.

'Once a year, on 25 October, young talents celebrate their achievements, their dreams, their failures and their hopes, paying tribute to King Mihai and carrying forward the pledge he and his ancestors made to the Romanian people. Each of you deserves applause this evening. Whether you support the project, provide financial assistance to young artists, work day after day on the project as a volunteer or employee of the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, or are simply admirers of the Romanian talent of this generation, each of you makes this evening possible. Soon, we will celebrate two decades of meeting every 25 October to safeguard Romania's artistic future. We are very fortunate to be able to do this once a year, each time accompanied by an orchestra, a choir, a conductor and soloists who stand proudly alongside the greatest names in the world in their generation and profession,' Prince Radu said.

'Every contribution represents a tangible opportunity for young people who have the talent and ambition to become artists but whose potential might otherwise be lost without support. We thank everyone who has chosen to stand with us and turn their attendance at the Royal Charity Concert into meaningful support for the next generation. Through the Young Talents programme, this generosity will be transformed into scholarships, mentoring and opportunities for recognition, helping young people develop their potential and, in turn, contribute to Romania's cultural life,' said Mugurel Margarit, Executive Director of the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation.

A special feature of the evening was the exhibition 'WHAT REMAINS,' presented in the rotunda of the Romanian Athenaeum. It was created by young visual artists receiving scholarships through the 2026 Young Talents programme, under the guidance of designer and mentor Cristian Samfira.

To date, 506 scholarships have been awarded through the Young Talents national programme, run by the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation. Over the years, more than 2 million euros have been invested in Romania's artistic future.

In 2025, the Young Talents programme received the GOLD distinction at the Community Index Awards in the Art and Culture category, with the support of Kaufland. In 2013, 2015, 2019 and 2022, it was recognised as Romania's best Art and Culture programme at the Civil Society Gala. AGERPRES (RO - writing by: Daniel Popescu; EN - writing by: Adina Panaitescu)