ABOUT TUNES-N-TALES

Launched in 2018 by Ohio’s Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO), the Tunes-n-Tales initiative was made possible through the generous legacy of Janet McCrosky. A retired librarian from the Clark County Public Library and a longtime SSO musician- turned-patron, Janet’s enduring gift continues to enrich our community through this imaginative and impactful program.

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In partnership with the Clark County Public Library, Tunes-n-Tales brings chamber orchestra performances to life through beloved literary works for young readers. Each narrated performance lasts approximately 30 minutes, with children seated close to the musicians—creating an immersive experience that deepens their connection to both music and story. Families are often given a copy of the featured book to read along and take home, extending the joy and engagement beyond the concert hall.

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The concept traces its origins to the 1990s, when the Westerville (OH) Symphony collaborated with the Westerville Public Library. What began as a simple pairing of existing repertoire with children’s literature has evolved into a sophisticated artistic endeavor. Today, the program commissions prominent composers to create original works that musically interpret the text. A notable example is Lowell Lieberman’s enchanting setting of The Velveteen Rabbit.

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This past season, we were proud to present a new work for children inspired by Jason Reynolds’ acclaimed book There Was a Party for Langston—a Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor Book detailing the poetry of Langston Hughes. The musical adaptation was composed by Evan Williams, a distinguished composer at Berklee College of Music in Boston. The work was premiered in Springfield and will be repeated in Westerville under shared music director Peter Stafford Wilson.

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The commission and subsequent performances have drawn the attention of the American Library Association and the Springfield Symphony has been invited to present the work and the story of its collaborative creation at their American Library Association Conference in Chicago in June of 2026.  Along with the musicians of the Springfield Symphony, the Youth Services Staff of the Clark County Public Library and Maestro Peter Stafford Wilson will detail this effort to library officials from across the nation as a synergetic way to partner on the creation of new access to literature and music for young people.  

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Tunes-n-Tales stands as a vibrant alliance between the community’s library and symphony orchestra. It sparks curiosity in young minds, encouraging creative expression through the powerful, often non-verbal languages of music and storytelling. As a compelling initiative for philanthropic support, it champions diversity, inclusion, and intellectual growth—making it a model for arts education and community engagement.​