Liza Minnelli Dazzles at Stamford's Palace

http://www.thedailystamford.com/neighbors/liza-minnelli-dazzles-stamfords-palace

Photo Credit: Anthony Buzzeo

by Anthony Buzzeo

STAMFORD, Conn. — The audience at Stamford’s Palace Theatre was swinging as superstar Liza Minnelli performed her greatest hits as well as some of her newest songs during the third annual Palace Gala on Friday night.

In addition to her headlining performance, she was also given the Arts Legacy Award. Minnelli joins David Brubeck and Diana Ross as the third recipient of the award, the latest honor in her nearly 50-year career. She has also won four Tonys, an Academy Award, a special "Legends" Grammy Award, two Golden Globes and an Emmy.
She was not the only person honored during the fundraising event. Emmanuel “E.J.” Couloucoundis of Darien was selected as the Emerging Young Artist Scholarship winner, and the Arts Ovation Award was given to Michael Widland of Weston and Moira Lyons of Stamford.  

Couloucoundis was named 2010 National High School Teen Idol and twice won the Classical Singer Magazine national high school competition. He has been studying at the Mannes College of Music and Manhattan School of Music in its pre-college program and was recently accepted to the Julliard School.  

Widland, a partner of Shipman & Goodwin LLP, began volunteering at the Stamford Center for the Arts more than 20 years ago and since 2009 has been chairman of the Board of Directors.

Lyons has been involved with the organization for more than six years and has been a supporter of the arts community in Stamford as well as the Stamford Center for the Arts. She has held different positions with the board in that time.

Proceeds from the gala support the Stamford Center for the Arts Education Program. The program provides children, ages 4 to 18, with learning opportunities.