A witty, heartwarming one-act opera sure to delight families and opera lovers alike, The Big Swim is a retelling of the Jade Emperor and the Great Race — a fable that sets the order of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac calendar. Commissioned by Houston Grand Opera in partnership with AST, The Big Swim will be presented on Feb. 20, 21, and 22 at AST’s Brown Foundation Performing Arts Theater.

In this contemporary retelling of the Great Race created by composer Meilina Tsui and librettist Melisa Tien, diverse influences are fused into a single, compelling story, intentionally crossing boundaries between traditional and modern, Eastern and Western, and classical and non-classical. The Big Swim draws upon a vast range of cultural elements and stylistic influences, with Tsui’s score incorporating opera buffa, Peking and Cantonese opera, Gregorian chants, American and Asian pop music, animated musicals, and more.

In Tien’s modern take on the classic story, the zodiac animals learn to put aside fierce competition to instead care for and support one another, side by side. The opera’s acclaimed cast includes bass Zaikuan Song (Dragon & Dog), baritone Zizhao Wang (Tiger & Rooster), and soprano Angela Yam (Rabbit & Horse) reprising their roles and joined by tenor Taka Komagata (Monkey & Rat), mezzo-soprano Kim Sogioka (Pig & Ox), and mezzo-soprano Xiao Xiao (Snake & Sheep) Originally directed by Mo Zhou, the production will be directed for the second time by Kihwa Nam, with Tiffany Chang conducting. Mask and scenic designer Afsaneh Aayani is the creator of the opera’s dynamic modular set, which draws inspiration from traditional Chinese garden designs while paying homage to East Asian cultures and the Lunar New Year celebrations that unite them. Valérie Thérèse Bart’s vibrant costume designs combine influences from the Philippines, South Korea, China, and Vietnam. Michael James Clark, the Head of Lighting and Production Media for HGO, serves as the opera’s lighting designer.

The Big Swim will be presented at Asia Society Texas as part of its Lunar New Year festivities and will be preceded by activities celebrating the Year of the Horse, including shadow puppets, calligraphy demonstrations, and refreshments from Kin Café and Kopi Cowboy. Pre-show activities begin one hour befor the performance.