WALTHAM--On Tuesday, The Charness Family Quintet will perform at the Slosberg Music Center at Brandeis University as part of the spring installation meeting for the Brandeis National Women's Committee (Greater Boston Chapter).

Composed of Dr. Michael Charness on piano, Mrs. Deborah Charness on flute, Sarah and Jennifer Charness on violins and Daniel Charness on cello, the family orchestra has been performing together for nearly eight years. However, the musical magic of the family goes back much further than that.

Eighteen years ago, Michael met Deborah on a blind date.

"When he got here," Deborah recalls, "I auditioned him."

As Michael could keep up with her nearly note for note, Deborah knew he was the man who would set the rest of her life to music.

Fortunately, their love of music runs in the family. Sarah, Daniel and Jennifer all took bows to strings while very young.

"I didn't want another wind player," Deborah admits, "so we encouraged it."

The family is playing Brandeis on the invitation of Gertrude Lasker, the 91-year-old chair of the Committee who recently presented Sarah with an award for her musical talent.

"It's hard when one child is singled out," Deborah says, "but I was proud that the other kids were congratulatory rather than jealous."

Has it been hard to get the kids to practice for the big show?

"It's not an issue," says Mom. "They do as we do."