Excerpt from "the arts by Susan Elliott" Style Magazine, January/February, 2000, page 12.
VALENTINE GIFT"I'm always looking for a theme for concerts," says Michael
O'Neal, founding artistic director of the 150-member Michael O'Neal Singers and 25-member Chamber Singers. The latter group will perform two Valentine's Day concerts, one on February 13 at Roswell United Methodist Church and the other February 19 at Spivey Hall. The
keystone of the program is Johannes Brahms' belovd "Liebeslieder (Lovesong) Waltzes," Opus 52. "Brahms was captivated by all the waltzes he heard in Vienna," says O'Neal, who
trained with the late, great Robert Shaw. "These waltzes are Brahms' tribute to that city," he continues. "They're highly stylized, light-hearted
, carefree fun." The program also includes English madrigals and such popular fare as "Laura," "Let's Do It," and "Ain't Misbehavin'." Says
O'Neal, "I always try to include lots of different styles on Chamber Singers concerts, because I like to show off their versatility." For the church
performance call 770-594-7974; for Spivey Hall call 770-961-3683.
