Hey, Circle Round fans, our Circle Round live tour continues with live recordings in North Carolina, Massachusetts, and California.

Join us in Charlotte on November 22nd, Los Angeles on January 18th, and Boston on February 7th.

And remember, after each show, Circle Round Club members can meet Eric Shimalonis and me, Rebecca Shear. Get your tickets and join the club at WBUR.org.com.

WBUR Podcasts, Boston.

This Circle Round episode is a very special one, recorded live with players from the Boston Symphony Orchestra and a star-studded cast of actors at Symphony Hall on October 11, 2025.

To learn more about our live shows, visit WBUR.org slash circle round and click on events.

And now on with the story.

Do you have a favorite tree?

Maybe it's a kind of tree, like a birch or a pine. Perhaps it's a specific tree, like that old oak you love to climb in the park, or the maple whose crispy leaves you love jumping into after they fall. Today's story is all about a very special tree, one that doesn't shed leaves. It sheds

light. I'm Rebecca Shear, and welcome to Circle Round Live at Symphony Hall in Boston, Massachusetts.

Today our story is called The Sunlight Tree. It's inspired by tales from Sweden, a Scandinavian

country in Northern Europe. Joining me on stage is a star-studded cast of actors, Mary Faber, Josh Gondelman, Lamont Price, and Jessica Rao.

Providing musical accompaniment, under the direction of our own Eric Shimalonus,

is a world-class ensemble from the Boston Symphony Orchestra,

Kathy Bassarack on Viola, Rachel Childers on horn, Chris Elchico on clarinet, Clint Foreman on flute,

Ben Levy on double bass, and Suzanne Nelson on bassoon. So circle round, everyone,

for the sunlight tree. Thank you. I'm In a quaint,

Atop a quiet, wooded hill,

There lived two sisters, Selma and Svea.

Selma and Svea shared the hut with their pet bird,

a glossy jet black starling named Lars.

That's me! Lars!

...