Lunar New Year Children's Opera 'The Big Swim' Returns for Second Year of Sold-Out Performances
HOUSTON, February 11, 2025 — Asia Society Texas (AST), in co-production with Houston Grand Opera, welcomed guests to the second annual presentation of the chamber opera The Big Swim through a weekend-long extravaganza of sold-out performances and interactive experiences, immersing audiences in a lively and dynamic introduction to Lunar New Year traditions.
The one-act The Big Swim takes the audience on an unforgettable adventure, inviting them to become part of the story in a high-energy performance blurring the lines between guest and performer. The libretto reimagines the classic Chinese fable of the Great Race among the 12 zodiac animals, with the cast welcoming and greeting the audience as the collective Jade Emperor.
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In celebration of the Year of the Snake, this year's performances were modified to highlight the role of Snake, and once again delighted audiences with catchy melodies, humor, and a heartwarming message about the power of teamwork. The production welcomed back maestro Eiki Isomura, Alice Chung (Ox/Pig), and Zaikuan Song (Dragon/Dog), who were enthusiastically joined by revival director Kihwa Nam, Angela Yam (Rabbit/Horse), Qirong Liang (Snake/Sheep), Mark He (Monkey/Rat), and Zizhao Wang (Tiger/Rooster). The stunning set design and captivating masks by Afsaneh Aayani, along with the vibrant costumes by Valérie Thérese Bart and original production by Mo Zhou, brought the magical world to life. For the final performance, composer Meilina Tsui and librettist Melisa Tien joined the cast and orchestra for a well-deserved standing ovation.
Building on the success of last year's premiere weekend, the celebration kicked off each day with an exciting array of pre-show activities that connected attendees with local cultural partners presenting rich Lunar New Year traditions. A special children's dance performance, The Giant Serpent — choreographed by Nao Kusuzaki and performed by Dance of Asian America — brought to life a Chinese folktale about a brave girl who saves her village from a giant snake. Guests also tried their hand at traditional brush calligraphy with Zen Art Calligraphy, taste Singaporean coffee from Kopi Cowboy, and learn about the vibrant art and athleticism of lion dancing through Sonni Lam's short film RISE HTX: City of Culture Vol 1.
Families were filled with joy and excitement throughotu the weekend, ushering in the Year of the Snake with new insighs, unforgettable memories, and a renewed appreciation for the beauty and meaning of the Lunar New Year.
Cast
Angela Yam (Rabbit/Horse)
Qirong Liang (Snake/Sheep)
Alice Chung (Ox/Pig)
Mark He (Monkey/Rat)
Zizhao Wang (Tiger/Rooster)
Zaikuan Song (Dragon/Dog)
Creative Team
Composer
Meilina Tsui
Librettist
Melisa Tien
Conductor
Eiki Isomura
Production by
Mo Zhou
Revival Director
Kihwa Nam
Mask and Set Designer
Afsaneh Aayani
Costume Designer
Valérie Thérese Bart
Lighting Designer
Michael James Clark
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About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
