Kehler Liddell Galleries has become the focal point for the new denizens of Ar-LOW and their newly created devotees. Saturday night, two of the new émigrés to Westville offered their time and talent to present a two-dimensional concert. Allison Kalloo and Lisa Cobham (pictured), backed by their musicians, alternated between jazz standards and operatic arias.
Kalloo attributes her talent to genetics; her father was a dean at the Howard University School of Music and her mother was a vocalist.
Cobham attributes hers to years of formal training. Her vocal presentations have earned recognition well beyond New Haven, and we expect to follow her career. She is also a member of the Naugatuck Valley Community College Chorus, the Vox Concordis Chamber Ensemble, and the Bregamos Theatre ensemble.
Ms. Cobham’s recent achievements include 1st prize winner of the Waterbury Classic Concerts Competition and lead role of Eliza in the upcoming opera, The Zoo. Her past credits include performances in Carmina Bruana, Bach Magnificat, Christmas with Kenny Rogers, NVCC Executive Requests, and Songs for Soup.
The Eisners drove back into town from Bethany, having seen a poster in Westville earlier in the day. Susie Voigt interrupted her whirlwind weekend political itinerary to enjoy the show. Talia Aikens Nunez sent her new husband Paul to the event for Rosa DeLauro at the Rusty Scupper before returning to the Quinnipiac River and her new home. Brian McGrath was in attendance, counting the crowd and, no doubt, the cars outside. Perhaps he was scouting to see what Whalley has that Chapel West needs. Pierrette Silverman rounded out the group seeking respite from the campaign trail. Family members, new and old friends, neighbors and others who were lucky enough to hear about it managed to fill the seats and the standing room. The venue offers a safe, informal atmosphere with artistic ambience.