The Zodiac Suite, a new collaboration between composer Stephanie Chou and intercultural ensemble INTERWOVEN, is a musical suite that explores the Chinese myth of the Jade Emperor's Great Race, a beloved folktale which resulted in the 12 animals in the Chinese Zodiac.  Musically, the piece will incorporate Chou's signature blend of Asian influences, jazz, and classical music.

Dragon, the first movement, was commissioned by INTERWOVEN, in celebration of the Year of the Dragon (2024). In Chinese culture, the dragon holds a significant place as an auspicious and extraordinary creature, unparalleled in talent and excellence. It is also a benevolent creature, which is a major difference from how the dragon is often portrayed in Western myths. Despite its mystical powers, the Dragon does not win the Jade Emperor's Great Race race, because it stops to help the Rabbit, who is stuck clinging to a log in the river.  Musically,  it's a fiery showcase piece meant to capture the animal’s excitement and festivity. Dragon is Chou's first piece of erhu and string trio, and features longtime collaborator Andy Lin on erhu.

INSTRUMENTATION: erhu, string trio (violin, viola, cello)

COMPOSER: Stephanie Chou

ARRANGER: Kyle Gordon and Stephanie Chou

DURATION: 5-6 minutes

PREMIERE: February 10, 2024 at Our Saviour's Atonement Lutheran Church, NYC, as part of FantAsia!, INTERWOVEN’s concert

CANADIAN PREMIERE: May 11, 2024 at The Annex, Vancouver BC

ADDITIONAL PERFORMANCES: Museum of Chinese in America (NYC), Taiwan Arts University (Taiwan), Joe’s Pub (NYC), nd more

Photos from world premiere concert:

Photos from Recording Session at Sear Sound, NYC December 18, 2024

The studio recording of Dragon was supported by New Music USA’s Creator Fund. The Creator Fund is funded in part by The ASCAP Foundation Bart Howard Fund, Cheswatyr Foundation, and the Howard Gilman Foundation. Grants to artists in New York are made possible in part by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and with public funds form the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Support for the Creator Fund is also provided by contributions from the New Music USA endowment.