"Seven hours after they met, Michael and Deborah Charness became engaged."

"'Michael and I met through music," said Deborah, flautist in Newton's Charness Family Quintet."

"They will celebrate their 23rd anniversary this October."

"Michael and Deborah's love of music was passed on to their children...the family has been touring around New England since 1993."

"Sara, now 20, and Jenny, 15, both play violin, and Daniel, 17, the cello."

"'The kids have grown up seeing us play together," said Deborah...They like practicing because it was their time with their father and mother.'"

"Michael and Deborah say it's been incredibly powerful watching their children grow as people and musicians...when you play music you're sharing feelings, interpreting emotions that a composer felt and sublimated into their music.'"

Excerpts from a story that appeared in The Boston Sunday Globe on August 28, 2005