Members of The Center for Arts in Natick community had the unique opportunity and special fortune to participate in a superb Mother's Day Concert featuring the Charness Family Quintet. This charming and talented family gave inspirational performances individually, in duos, trios and as a quintet. Consisting of Deborah, mother and flutist; Michael, father and pianist; Sarah, 13, violinist; Daniel, 11, cellist; and Jennifer, 8, violinist; they have been delighting audiences for years, changing their repertoire as the children become more proficient on their instruments.

There were so many extraordinary moments it is hard to adequately comment on them in such a small space. Each of the solo pieces of the children was certainly exceptional. Jennifer played a piece by Fritz Kreisler, accompanied by her father. Her intensity, poise, and feel for the music at such a young age was impressive. Daniel played one of the unaccompanied Bach Cello Suites, with a sophistication that belied his age. And Sarah, a concerto finalist in her age group, played a very exciting Allegro from "Symphonie Espagnole, opus 21" of Lalo, a challenging work for a musician of any age. Michael, at times the featured soloist and more often the very able accompanist, is a very fine pianist. The "Duo," by Frazin, written for Deborah and Michael, was especially lovely, leaving us wanting more flute and piano music.