‘Quaranteens’

Young Palisadian Musicians Perform For Neighbors

By MAGNOLIA LAFLEUR | Reporter

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, young Palisadians Leena Adeli and Izzy Kocher knew they wanted to make a difference in the community. In the summer of 2020, Adeli, a violinist, and Kocher, a pianist and singer, formed a duet—calling themselves the “Quaranteens.”

After being inspired by her older sister Layla, who had her own group that performed for the community, Adeli decided to form a duet with her lifelong friend Kocher and follow suit. The duo dedicated their free time performing in front of their yard for their neighbors, and Palisades Village for passersby.

At their performances, Adeli and Kocher play up to eight pieces together and one solo piece each.

“I’m so proud of Izzy and Leena,” Kocher’s mom shared. “They work so hard together to practice their duet pieces so that they can put on such a professional show for our neighbors.

“I am also so pleased that it was something fun and creative that they were able to do safely all the way through COVID. They enjoy it, our neighbors enjoy it. It’s wonderful to be able to perform and bring something a little special to everyone, especially in tough times.”

The girls perform on the front yard of Adeli’s home to crowds of approximately 15 people, some who sit and others who discover them on walks through the neighborhood.

One of the neighbors who has enjoyed their performances through the pandemic is their 94-year-old-neighbor who has gone to every performance. She was described as feeling “so moved,” as she listened to their performances with closed eyes.

A pianist and singer for the past eight years, Kocher said they don’t only play classical music but enjoy playing an assortment of genres, from classics from artists like Frank Sinatra and the Beatles to contemporary music from artist Taylor Swift.

“We really want to make a difference in people’s lives,” Kocher said to the Palisadian-Post.

When they perform in the Village, they leave a tip jar out and donate all the proceeds to St. Jude. Once they collected $500 for charity from a single performance.

Adeli, who has been playing the violin since the first grade, discussed what preparation for these performances are like.

“Usually we start practicing three to four months before, and around one month before the concert, we pick the orders of the songs so we know what to do,” she explained to the Post. “One time … [a] man came up to us and said he appreciated the playing and how much it made his day. That really showed us how much we can affect and bring happiness to others.”

Adeli and Kocher’s mothers both help with their performance endeavors by printing business cards and helping make the programs for the shows, while their fathers support them at every event, cheering them on.

Kocher and Adeli first met at a ‘Mommy and Me’ class when they were just 2 years old and have been inseparable since. Now, the friends only live a block away from each other.

“They are both hard working girls and keep straight A’s as well,” Adeli’s mother said to the Post.  “I’m so proud of them.”

Adeli and Kocher are excited that they are able, in such difficult times, to make a difference in their community.

“I know there’s so much going on right now, from COVID to politics and storms,” Kocher explained. “But if everyone takes the time to just listen to music and be really kind to each other and help your neighbors and friends, I think the world would be a better place.”

For more information on future performance dates, email quarantenduets@hmsil.com.