Jerry Hou

Biography

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 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 the 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, leading the festival orchestra in subscription, family, and educational concerts.

Hou began an association with the New York Philharmonic and music director Jaap van Zweden in 2021, and first conducted the orchestra in the tuning of the newly renovated David Geffen Hall. He worked closely with van Zweden, assisting him and guest conductors including Jakub Hrusa, Stephane Deneve, Paavo Jarvi, Susanna Malkki, Marin Alsop, and Hannu Lintu.  Hou made his successful debut with the orchestra in the spring of 2023, and returned to conduct seven concerts this past season to celebrate the 100^th anniversary of the Young People’s Concerts. Hou returns to the New York Philharmonic this season for more concerts.

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, Joel Thompson, Anthony Davis, Peter Eötvös, Melinda Wagner, George Lewis, Alvin Singleton, Gyorgy Kurtag, Unsuk Chin, and Carlos Simon. Hou has conducted leading new music ensembles such as Ensemble Modern, International Contemporary Ensemble, 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!


Photo Credit: Peter Serling