Essex Winter Series Awards Francis Bealey Memorial Scholarship

ESSEX, CT – The Board of Trustees of Essex Winter Series is pleased to announce this year’s 2023 Francis Bealey Memorial Scholarships recipient, Lily Farrell of Ivoryton. The Francis Bealey Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a Valley Regional High School (VRHS) graduating senior who plans to further his/her musical studies in college, generously provides $1,000 each year, for a total of $4,000. The Scholarship was established in 1995 after the passing of EWS board president Francis Bealey to honor his commitment to music and arts education.

Lily, the daughter of Jennifer and Jeff Farrell, plans to attend the University of North Carolina-Greensboro to study musical theatre. Willing to take risks to become a confident performer after a leap to read the role of Mother in “The Glass Menagerie” in freshman Honors English, Lily learned she could challenge herself more and apply her unflappable presentation skills in a different way. At school, she appeared in VRHS musicals. participated in Encore and Voce select choirs, and was captain of Cheer, Student Council secretary, a member of the Class of 2023 Steering Committee, Global Womens Advocacy Club, and National Honors Society.

This year, Essex Winter Series is most grateful for supplementary funding for our scholarship program from the Essex Community Fund and ASP Trust. These generous gifts will not only support this year’s student in her chosen path, but provide funds in support of the three students awarded scholarships over the last few years who continue their collegiate studies.

Bringing world-class music to the shoreline area was the dream of the founders of Essex Winter Series, established in 1979. The late Fenton Brown devoted decades to expanding the series and ultimately recruited pianist Mihae Lee to become Artistic Director. Each year, EWS presents a series of concerts with top-rated musicians from around the world, including a mix of such performances as chamber music, instrumental soloists, opera singers, symphony and chamber orchestras, and jazz bands.

For additional information, visit essexwinterseries.com.