A former factory worker and a recent A-Level student have been named the inaugural recipients of the Van Morrison Scholarship at Queen’s University Belfast. David Cassidy, 50, from Portadown, and 18-year-old Cara Linden from West Belfast will both pursue music degrees at the prestigious institution, thanks to this scholarship established by the renowned musician and current Artist in Residence at Queen’s.
The scholarship covers tuition fees and living expenses for the duration of their three-year degrees. David’s path to higher education is particularly noteworthy. Leaving school at 16 with only one GCSE, he struggled to balance academic responsibilities with his passion for music. Over the years, he played in various bands, including the group Million Dollar Reload, before dedicating time to factory work while continuing to write and perform music.
“I always regretted failing in education, so I attended a tour of Queen’s University in 2023 and that then became my goal: I was going to study music at Queen’s,” David shared. He attended Lisburn College, where he worked diligently for two years to earn his diploma. “Music is my passion. It has always been my life. I am dedicated to it because it has always been there for me, and it makes me feel alive. My immediate future plan is to graduate from Queen’s with a First. After that, I want to pass on what I have learned through teaching. I am also writing my first ever solo album at present,” he added.
David expressed gratitude for the scholarship, stating, “I would like to take this opportunity to say a heartfelt thank you to Sir Van Morrison, his team, and to Queen’s University. I am so grateful for this honour.”
Cara Linden, fresh from completing her A Levels at St Dominic’s Grammar School, harbours ambitions of performing in the West End while also exploring musical directing and production. She expressed her enthusiasm for the scholarship, stating, “I chose to study Music Performance at Queen’s University Belfast because I believe Queen’s offers an inspiring environment where academic excellence meets creativity.”
She further highlighted the thriving arts scene in Belfast, noting, “Receiving the Van Morrison Music Scholarship is an incredible honour that supports me in continuing to grow as a performer and contribute to the rich musical legacy of Belfast. Being offered this scholarship has been completely life-changing and I am incredibly grateful to have been given this opportunity. I feel that now I have a real shot at pursuing dreams I thought were impossible.”
The announcement of the scholarship recipients was made by Professor Sir Ian Greer, President and Vice-Chancellor of Queen’s University. He stated, “We are thrilled to announce the two very first Van Morrison Scholarship recipients, David Cassidy and Cara Linden. The Van Morrison Scholarship represents an investment in talent, providing two gifted musicians with the support to turn their big ambitions into a reality.”
Professor Greer expressed appreciation for Morrison’s involvement, adding, “We are incredibly grateful for the support of one of the world’s most successful musicians and hope that his achievements will inspire our students. We very much welcome David and Cara to Queen’s, are confident that they will enjoy the Queen’s experience, and look forward to seeing them both realise their dreams.”
The establishment of this scholarship not only highlights the commitment to nurturing musical talent in Northern Ireland but also reinforces the university’s reputation as a hub for aspiring musicians. As the recipients embark on their academic journeys, their stories serve as inspiration for future generations of artists.
