Love is in the air as Valentine's Day rolls around, and many students wonder just what to do with their special someone. If romantic poetry and beautiful chamber music to entice a romantic mood come to mind, then the "Celebration of Love" is the perfect event to attend.

The "Celebration of Love" began nine years ago when Doug Miller, director of choral studies, organized the event to honor Willa Taylor, a former University director of choral studies who retired to State College. Miller wanted to build around Valentine's Day and topics of love.

The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. today and tomorrow in the Old Main rotunda. Old Main is not usually used as a performance space, but it provides a wonderful atmosphere for the concert, Miller said.

Michael Strouse (senior-finance), president of the Concert Choir and a Lion Ambassador, also said Old Main is the best place to sing, especially for a smaller group like the Chamber Singers -- which will be performing at the concert. Because of the marble and stone construction, the surfaces are good for reflecting sound waves.

"The acoustics work for you and not against you . . . you can just relax and sing," Strouse said.

The Chamber Singers represents a select 30-member choir chosen from the 64-member concert choir. Miller, who will conduct the concert choir and Chamber Singers during the event, said the musical content of the concert will consist of three sections. The first section is composed from pieces from Orlando DiLasso, a very cosmopolitan, late-16th-century composer, Miller said.

The second session will consist of music from the English romantic composers of the late 19th century, including Arthur Sullivan (of Gilbert and Sullivan), Robert Pearsall and Edward Elgar.

The third section consists of music played at the concert from year-to-year, including songs such as "Early One Morning."

For the closing, the Robert Burns poem "A Red, Red Rose" will first be read and then sung by Robert Mulholland. Throughout the event, the singers position themselves in different places in Old Main, from the stairs to the balcony, and every performer is spotlighted while they are performing, adding to the romantic effect.

Between the musical selections, University professors and students will read romantic works and poetry. Readers include Theatre Arts professors Helen and Lowelle Manfull. Gwyn Fawcett and Stephen Wilson, both theatre graduate students, will also perform readings.

The "Celebration of Love" is the "best concert on campus," Strouse said.

Tickets are available in 114 Arts Building or by calling 863-2142. Tickets are required in advance because of a limited number of seats. Students are required to enter Old Main from the College Avenue side.