The Royal Charity Concert organized by the Margareta of Romania Royal Foundation, one of the longest and most successful fundraising events in Romania, returns to the Romanian Athenaeum on October 25th, 2024, with the 15th edition.

Pianist Cadmiel Boțac is now in the Radio România Muzical studio.

Good morning and good to see you again!

We are talking about the concert on Friday evening, which you will perform with the Orchestra Universitaria of the National University of Music in Bucharest. The Royal Charity Concert. What have you prepared for this reunion with Romanian audience?

First of all, I am very happy to be back in Bucharest. Beautiful memories, wonderful experiences and special concerts bind me. This time, I will be on stage with pianist Mihai Ritivoiu, a very good friend with whom I will perform the Concerto for Two Pianos by Francis Poulenc.

That's right. In 2019, I was admitted to the University of Music. In 2023, I completed my master's studies. And, at the moment, I am in the postgraduate study period, in the class of Professor Stefan Arnold, who was your guest last year, if I am not mistaken, with the Radio Chamber Orchestra. I am glad to be in Vienna, I try to learn as much as possible, I am very happy to have great mentors teachers from whom I have a lot to learn.

I know that you were a scholarship holder of the Young Talents Programme.

During high school, somewhere between 2012-2015. I was three years in a row the scholarship holder of the foundation and part of the "Young Talents" Programme, which, again, binds me with beautiful memories because it is a very special program. Beyond the scholarships they offer, I had the opportunity to meet extraordinary fellow musicians, to collaborate, but also established musicians, within the mentoring program they have.

The "Young Talents" program started in 2009 and, here we are at the 15th edition. This program aims to support, support talented children who come from families with limited financial potential. We know that this side is a challenge, so I can only be grateful for the Young Talents Program and for those who get involved. In 16 years, this program has offered over 400 scholarships, 128 recitals and concerts, 82 exhibitions, 126 mentoring or masterclass sessions. Here's an impressive resume!

This year, for the 16th edition, the registration period is already open until November 10. So if there are young musicians - pupils or students - who want to apply, they can do it with great, great joy.

Romania needs art and young artists at the beginning of the road need financial support. So, if there are both individuals and companies who want to get involved and support this program!

You see, art doesn't usually make a profit. Benefit and profit are in people. What art can bring to people… the fact that it brings joy, the fact that it brings fulfillment, comfort, hope… there is the real gain. And we think Romania needs art.

Cadmiel Botac, you are one of the extremely talented young musicians, who has enjoyed both national and international recognition over the years. The numerous awards you have on your CV are a testimony. One of the prizes is also the "Heirs of Musical Romania Scholarship", which you obtained in 2020. Has anything changed from that point? I also think about the tournament you held with another winner of the scholarship, Cornelius Zirbo. How was that whole experience for you? You had a national tour at the time.

Every time, it is a great joy when the prize does not only consist of a financial good, but also has certain positive consequences. In addition to the scholarship I received, which was of great help to me because I managed to purchase a better instrument, the fact that I managed to perform with my cellist and good friend Cornelius Zirbo, and not only that, to hold a recording session at the Radio Hall, was a very special experience. That's what young musicians need! In addition to financial support, the opportunity to be on stage, to settle in, to be in a relationship with the public, to gain as much experience as possible.

Do not stay away from Bucharest because, at the end of the year, in December, even very close to Christmas, I know that you are coming back this time to the Radio Hall. You will perform with the National Radio Orchestra. What do you suggest then?

If last year, in April, I went to the Radio Chamber Orchestra and played the Triple Concerto by Ludwig van Beethoven, this time, on December 20th, I am happy to return to the Radio Hall with the Fantasy for piano, choir and orchestra - a unique work, again, in a very special format. And it's a great, great joy to come back. So, we look forward to seeing you on December 20th, Friday, at the Radio Hall. It will definitely be a special event!

Until then, the Bucharest audience can watch you on Friday at the Romanian Athenaeum. If you want to invite them, now is the time.

We look forward to welcoming you on Friday, October 25th, at the Royal Charity Concert, at 19.00. It will not only be a time of celebration to enjoy music, but also an opportunity for you to contribute financially by supporting the "Young Talents" Programme which, every year, offers scholarships to young musicians and artists. From what I saw online the other day, there are very few tickets left, so if you want, hurry up and go to the sites we have available to buy the last tickets. We are waiting for you with great, great love!

There will be a concert in the presence of the royal family, along with several young soloists, former scholars of the foundation. We will be accompanied by the Universitaria Orchestra, and the well-known and much appreciated conductor Tiberiu Soare will be at the conducting desk. We are looking forward to meeting you!

Thank you for being part of the morning show.

Thank you too!