The Young Talents Gala, organised by The Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, took place on 20 November at the “I. L. Caragiale” National Theatre in Bucharest (TNB), in the presence of Her Royal Highness Princess Sofia The event celebrated the artistic achievements of some of the most talented young people in the country—15 musicians and 15 visual artists—scholars of the Young Talents15th generation. The Young Talents Gala is an event that brings together a musical programme prepared by the young musicians and a large-scale visual arts exhibition featuring works created by the visual artist scholars during the scholarship year.

Sponsors, partners, donors, and supporters of young artists had the opportunity to discover each participant’s talent, their individual and joint artistic projects, and the progress they made throughout the year, while benefiting from a €2,000 scholarship, guidance from mentors and teachers, and the Foundation’s ongoing support.

The audience was introduced to the atmosphere of the evening through a presentation film showcasing the activities and events Young Talents n 2023. They were then transported into the enchanting world of cinema through a musical programme featuring famous film soundtracks, reinterpreted in a classical style by the young musicians. Pirates of the Caribbean, Once Upon a Time in America, Schindler’s List, Mission: Impossible, Titanic – My Heart Will Go On, Beauty and the Beast, Deer Hunter, Indiana Jones, Gabriel’s Oboe – The Mission, Scent of a woman were performed by: Isabela Stănescu (soprano), Emilia Tudorache (soprano), Alexandra Barbosa (oboe), Raluca Ciula (clarinet), Teodora Todoran (violin), Ștefania Turcu (violin), Andreea Mihalache (viola), Teodora Boloca (viola), Julia Coteanu (cello), Iurie Surguciov (cello), Ioan Bănescu (guitar), Claudiu Șuțu (saxophone), Catinca Mureșan (harp), Iasmina Sava (piano), and Irina Petrescu (piano).

““This concert is an expression of the openness of all those involved towards artistic areas that facilitate communication through their connection to the ‘seventh art’ and its masterpieces. The young musicians, at different stages of their development, move beyond their usual professional concerns—rightfully chosen—into the world of film music: rich, expressive, and evocative, where their quality is exercised in a distinctive way. It is thus a discovery of the immense variety of cultural and social contexts in which musicians can bring joy to the world, and a meeting on ‘neutral ground’ with the real audience of any public performance.” – Prof. Univ. Dr. Verona Maier, mentor in the Young Talents Programme and coordinator of the Gala’s musical programme

During the Gala, Mugurel Mărgărit, Executive Director of the Foundation, expressed recognition and gratitude to those who have been involved in the Young Talents since its inception and have generously supported art and artists with limited financial means for nearly 15 years. Her Royal Highness Princess Sofia presented diplomas to Ms Ileana Dana Marinescu,mentor and consultant within Young Talents; Mr Paolo Tocco and the Casa Siqua team,who provide accommodation for scholars from outside Bucharest and meeting spaces for mentoring sessions and Foundation events; and Mr Silvius Neagu,Director of Easy Print, the pro bono provider of printed and promotional materials for the visibility Young Talents .

At the end of the evening, Her Royal Highness Princess Sofia awarded performance diplomas to all 30 scholars Young Talents - 2023 edition, for excellence in visual arts and classical music.

The Young Talents Gala was warmly hosted by Bogdan Chenciu, TV programme producer and presenter Young Talents .

The artistic experience in the concert hall was complemented, in the Media Foyer of the TNB (Grand Hotel wing), by a visual arts exhibition featuring representative works from the scholars’ individual projects, created using materials purchased through the scholarship, as well as selected works from joint projects: expozițiile Jurnal de Viață, Pasiunile și preocupările membrilor Familiei Regale de-a lungul timpului și Exerciții de istorie la Balcic. Journal of Life, The Passions and Interests of the Royal Family Over Time, and Exercises in History at Balchik. The three exhibitions were curated under the guidance of programme mentors Assoc. Prof. Dr. Carmen Apetrei and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ion Anghel. The exhibition will remain open to the public for one month, with free admission.

The young artists’ outfits were provided by Alina Cernătescu Fashion and SARTO BeSpoke.

The Young Talents Programme in figures for 2023: Young Talents în cifre, în anul 2023, a însemnat:

- 30 scholarships awarded to 15 musicians and 15 visual artists

- 331 musical accessories and instruments, equipment, or working materials purchased through the scholarship

- 122 books, art albums, and musical scores funded through the scholarship

- 57 participations in individual and group art exhibitions, plus 5 organised by the Foundation

- 166 participations in individual and group recitals and concerts, collaborations with orchestras, plus 18 organised by the Foundation

- Participation in 48 courses, mentoring sessions, and masterclasses, plus 12 organised by the Foundation

- 55 awards obtained: 19 first prizes, 13 special prizes, and 8 excellence awards

Now in its 15th year, Young Talents has supported over 410 talented young people to date through scholarships, mentoring, and promotion. Many have gone on to achieve extraordinary national and international success, becoming laureates of prestigious international competitions and earning applause and admiration in the world’s cultural capitals for their music and art. Recognised four times as the Best Art and Culture Programme in Romania at the Civil Society Gala, the project creates equal opportunities for emerging artists, offering them the chance to develop their potential, express their talent, and fulfil their dreams, regardless of social background. cel mai bun program de Artă și Cultură din România, la Gala Societății Civile, proiectul creează oportunități egale pentru artiștii în devenire, oferindu-le șansa de a-și dezvolta potențialul, de a-și exprima talentul și de a-și îndeplini visul, indiferent de contextul lor social.

Partner: Kaufland Romania

Sponsors: B&B Collection – Kultho, PPG România – Oskar, Dedeman, PEPCO Retail, Enayati Medical City, Ferrero România, PSC Group, Dove România, Casa Siqua, Easy Print Services, Foto Experience, Emotion Philms Production

In-kind Sponsors: Aqua Carpatica, Alina Cernătescu Fashion, Angelli, SARTO BeSpoke

Institutional Partners: Teatrul Național “I. L. Caragiale” București (TNB)

Media partners in 2023: Europa FM, TVR, TVR Cultural, Radio România Muzical, Radio România Cultural, Radio România Actualități, Radio Trinitas, RFI România, Agerpres, Forbes, Forbes Life, Historia, Zile și Nopți, Revista BIZ, Haute Culture, ziarul cotidian diplomatic Nine O’Clock, The Institute, The Diplomat, Adevarul, Revista CARIERE, Revista Cultura, Phoenix Media, Insight TAROM, IQads, SMARK, Societatea Muzicală, Radio Clasic, Zenith Media, mediaTRUST România

Foto credit: Daniel Angelescu