Taiwanese-American conductor Jerry Hou is building community and revitalizing the music field via collaboration with some of today’s most important musical voices.
Born in Taiwan and raised in a small town in Arkansas, Hou had a late start in music. Beginning on trombone in middle school band, he went on to work professionally in American and European orchestras before his playing career was ended by injury. Turning to conducting studies with Jorma Panula in Finland, he is now recognized for his dynamic presence, insightful interpretations, musical versatility, and commanding technique on the podium.
Hou began an association with the New York Philharmonic and their music director Jaap van Zweden in 2021, and first conducted the orchestra in the tuning of the newly renovated David Geffen Hall. He continues to work with the Philharmonic as an assistant conductor and made his successful debut last season in a Young People’s Concert. Hou returned for more concerts with the New York Philharmonic this year and will conduct the orchestra in seven concerts next season.
Hou recently concluded his celebrated tenure as Resident Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the first person to hold that position in the orchestra’s history, and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. He conducted the ASO in classical, family, and education concerts, and, made his subscription debut in a program of music by Joan Tower, Jessie Montgomery, and Bela Bartok. Committed to developing the Atlanta music community, Hou created a Second Atlanta School of Composers, featuring native Atlantans, Joel Thompson, Carlos Simon, Viet Cuong, Sarah Gibson, TJ Cole, and Elise Arancio. Hou also served as Resident Conductor of the Grand Teton Music Festival for seven summers.
Known for his flexibility in many styles and genres, Hou has conducted a wide range of repertoire from classical to contemporary. A leading interpreter and conductor of contemporary music, he has collaborated with acclaimed composers such as Kevin Puts, Andrew Norman, Steve Reich, Anthony Davis, Peter Eötvös, Melinda Wagner, George Lewis, Joel Thompson, Gyorgy Kurtag, Unsuk Chin, Brett Dean, Mark-Anthony Turnage, and Carlos Simon. Hou has conducted leading new music ensembles such as Ensemble Modern, Ensemble Signal, Remix Ensemble, Grossman Ensemble, and Alarm Will Sound.
Hou is on the faculty of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where he is Artist Teacher of Orchestras and Ensembles. He lives in Houston with his wife Jenny and son Remy, and has competed on the game show Jeopardy!
Please note: Biographies are based on information provided to the CSO by the artists or their representatives. More current information may be available on websites of the artists or their management.
