White Snakes Projects will present its third annual “Let’s Celebrate” on Dec. 14-15, 2024.

The showcase features three 20-minute operas highlighting family and holiday traditions from various global cultures.

“Thirty Angels,” a musical celebration of Navruz—the Uzbek and Persian New Year—was composed by Uzbekistan-born pianist Liliya Ugay, whose heritage includes Korean and Tatar roots. The opera narrates the story of a child in an Uzbek village learning the meaning of Sumalak, a traditional dish made with germinated wheat that symbolizes community, friendship, and good fortune. Navruz has been a source of hope and renewal in Uzbekistan for many generations.

Also on the program is “Dancing in Chalma,” which centers on one of Mexico’s The Black Christ of Chalma. The opera features music by Mexican composer Felipe Pérez Santiago.

Finally, “Requiem Tomatina” shines a spotlight on Spain’s La Tomatina festival, an annual tomato-throwing event near Valencia. Director, choreographer, and librettist John de los Santos and composer Tony Solitro bring the festival to life.

Maggie Finnegan, Carina DiGianfilippo, Alexis Peart, and Joel Clemens headline different roles across the three works. Laine Rettmer directs and Tianhui Ng is the music director.

The performance will also include post-show panel discussions exploring themes of intersectionality during the holiday season, inviting audiences to reflect on the cultural richness and shared humanity of global traditions.