COLUMBUS, Ind. — A local artist and teacher’s paintings and illustrations were brought to life through music and animation in a recent collaboration with a Chicago symphony.
ABC-Stewart School teacher Susie Signorino is the illustrator for the children’s book “May There Always Be Sunshine,” which was recently featured in a performance by Chicago Symphony Orchestra musicians as part of its CSO for Kids video series.
The CSO’s video performance, which premiered online Jan. 22, features Jim Gill (a musician and the book’s author), five CSO brass musicians, and Chicago Symphony Chorus soprano Melinda Alberty. As the music plays and Gill and Alberty sing, animations of Signorino’s illustrations appear onscreen in time with the lyrics. Animation design was done by artist and illustrator Liviu Pasare, and the performance was presented in partnership with the Chicago Public Library.
According to CSO Sounds and Stories, “This animated story features the delightful children’s tune, based on a Russian folk song, later popularized by legendary folk singer Pete Seeger.”
“May There Always Be Sunshine” and its accompanying song relates different wishes for things and people that the narrator hopes will always be around. Each line begins with “May there always be.”
For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Republic.
