Summer Camp: The Sunlight Tree

Circle Round - WBUR

A magical sunlight tree brings joy to two sisters but sparks greed in their wealthy landlord, leading to a surprising twist. The story blends folklore, environmental themes, and whimsy. The tree’s magic awakens the forest, teaching a lesson in humility and connection to nature.

Key takeaways

• Magic trees symbolize hope and resilience.
• Greed leads to isolation and loss.
• Nature responds to kindness and respect.

Transcript preview

Well, hello there, circle round listeners, and welcome back to our very special summer camp. I'm your camp counselor, Erica Hennington, and this summer we're listening back to some of your favorite episodes all about the outdoors. One of my favorite things about the summer, spending time in the sun, especially for those of us from colder parts of the world, there is nothing better than the warm, happy feelings we get from good old. And that's why today's episode is The Sunlight Tree. This story tells how two people find hope and happiness in one unusual place, and it changes their lives forever. So let's circle round and listen to The Sunlight Tree. 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 W-B-U-R.org slash Circle Round and click on events. And now, on with the story. like a birche 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. 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 Schmalonis is a world-class ensemble from the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Kathy Basserac on Viola, Rachel Childers on Horn, Chris El Chico on Clarinet, Clint Foreman on Flute, Ben Levy on Double Bass, and Suzanne Nelson on Bassoon. So circle around everyone for the sunlight tree. The In a quaint wooden hut 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! I suppose I should mention Lars could talk. I could I love talking I could talk and talk all day if given the chance I bet you could thing is Selma and Seveyor don't know that I can talk I figured it might be kind of weird for them So do you mind not saying anything I won't breathe a word? And how about you? Do you mind keeping things on the down low? Thank you. I like these people But do you mind piping down, Lars, we need to carry on with the story? Oh, no problem. I do make a return of parents, right? Oh, yes you do. You play a very important part. All right, then carry on. Thanks. So, the wooden hut on the wooded hill was very small, but it was also very bright. Day in and day out. with sunlight, even when skies were cloudy and gray. And do you know why? I do, I do. Thanks, Lars, but I was talking to the audience. And we need to carry on with the story, right? Go ahead. Thanks. Where were we? You were saying that our wooden hut on the wooded hill is filled with sunlight. even when skies are cloudy and gray. Ah yes, thank you, Selma and Svea. You're very welcome. Selma and I would have gotten here earlier, but we were down in the village, giving away fruit from our sunlight tree. It's actually a pear tree. Svea and I planted it outside our window when we moved in. And all year round, no matter the season. It blossoms and bears fruit. The bright white flowers fruit. The bright white flowers fruit. and golden yellow pears give off this brilliant light. So it's like the sun is always shining in our hut. And that's why you call it the sunlight tree. Mm-hmm. Now come along, Lars. We have more pears to give away in the village. Call! Remember, they don't know I can talk. Call! Now, something you should know about Selma and Sveya's hut and Selma and Sveya's tree is that neither actually belonged to Selma and Sveya. The sisters were tenants or renters on a grand estate. The woman who owned the estate had recently passed away. She left everything to her son, Vilhem, including a massive mansion at the bottom of the hill and all the land surrounding it, including the hill, Vilhelm wasn't interested in hobnobbing with his mother's old tenants so he paid them no attention but as he heard talk of this mysterious pear tree up the hill his curiosity peaked. Could a pear tree really blossom and bear fruit all year long and give off a glow like the sun? There's only one way to find out. He jumped on his horse and trotted up the hill when he laid eyes on the sunlight tree. He knew nearly fell out of his saddle. Jumping Jehosephat, it is true. The tree is covered with fruit and the hut is filled with sunshine. Indeed it is, sir, every day of the year. Vilhelm glanced past the tree and saw two women with a dark stocky bird fluttering above their heads. You must be Wilhelm. I am Selma. And I am Svea. And this... is Lars. Call! It's kind of you to pay us a visit. Your mother used to come by