(above photo: (L-R) Dr Van Morrison, and Queen’s University Belfast President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer.)
World renowned artist Van Morrison has become the first musician to be named by Queen’s University Belfast as their ‘Artist in Residence’.
This unique and unprecedented partnership will see Morrison provide two students with fully-funded scholarships to assist in their ambitions to become professional musicians. The year-long collaboration will also see Morrison performing live across Belfast and the university’s venues in a series of special live performances.
This exciting development is being taken to mark 2025 as a momentous year for both Queen’s and Morrison, with the university marking its 180th anniversary and the East Belfast-born musician celebrating his 80th birthday.
Speaking about the collaboration, Dr Van Morrison said: “I am delighted to deepen my relationship with Queen’s University Belfast and look forward to performing at a number of exclusive events throughout the year. This partnership is also a wonderful opportunity to inspire students, celebrate Belfast’s rich musical heritage, and give back by supporting the next generation of musicians.”
Queen’s University Belfast President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, commented: “Dr Van Morrison is one of the most distinguished musicians of our time, and we are delighted to have him as our ‘Artist in Residence’. This initiative will provide invaluable opportunities for our students and the wider community while enriching our cultural offerings. As a University, we are committed to providing access to quality education to all students and partnerships such as this are vital to making this happen.”
Queen’s has a long association with the world of music throughout its 180 years, not least of all with gigs at its Mandela Hall and Whitla Hall providing the launching pad for many extremely successful musical careers.
The link with Morrison, whose career spans a remarkable seven decades and millions of record sales, also goes back to 2001 when in recognition of his services to the arts, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate. He later received the Freedom of Belfast in 2013 by Belfast City Council, cementing his position as one of the most successful artists to emanate from the city.
As part of the residency, Morrison will kick off with three concerts at Queen’s Whitla Hall later this month, with discounted tickets for students followed by a series of unique performances and collaborations to be announced throughout the year.
A key element of the partnership will focus on Morrison’s commitment to ‘give back’ to the city with two talented undergraduate students receiving fully-funded scholarships to pursue Music studies at Queen’s. The Widening Participation scholarships will cover tuition fees and additional costs for students who are most able but least likely to participate in Higher Education through ‘The Van Morrison Official Rhythm & Blues Foundation.’
Further details about upcoming events, performances, and scholarship opportunities will be announced in due course.
