Born in Taiwan and raised in a small town in Arkansas, Taiwanese-American conductor Jerry Hou had a late start in music. Beginning on trombone in middle school band, Hou went on to work professionally as a trombonist in American and European orchestras before his playing career was ended by injury. He returned to school to study conducting, and is now recognized for his dynamic presence, insightful interpretations, versatility and commanding technique on the podium.
Hou is the Resident Conductor of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra and Music Director of the Atlanta Symphony Youth Orchestra. He leads the Atlanta Symphony in classical, family, and education concerts, collaborating with artists such as Augustin Hadelich, Stephen Hough, Awadagin Pratt, and Xavier Foley. In March of 2023, Hou made his successful official subscription debut in a program of music by Joan Tower, Jessie Montgomery, and Bela Bartok.
In November of 2021, Hou began working with the New York Philharmonic and their music director Jaap van Zweden, and recently conducted the orchestra in the tuning of the newly renovated David Geffen Hall. Hou continues to serve as an assistant conductor and this March, he made his debut with the orchestra. He was immediately reengaged and will lead a Young People’s Concert in January 2023 along with seven educational concerts. Hou is also on the faculty of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where he is Artist Teacher of Orchestras and Ensembles. During the summer, Hou serves as Resident Conductor of the Grand Teton Music Festival.
A leading interpreter and conductor of contemporary music, Hou has collaborated with internationally acclaimed composers such as Andrew Norman, Steve Reich, Anthony Davis, John Adams, Joel Thompson, Carlos Simon, Melinda Wagner, John Harbison, George Lewis, Bernard Rands, Gyorgy Kurtag, Helmut Lachenmann, Unsuk Chin, Brett Dean, and Mark Anthony-Turnage. Hou has conducted leading contemporary music ensembles Ensemble Modern, Ensemble Signal, and Alarm Will Sound. He lives in Houston with his wife Jenny and son Remy and has competed on the game show Jeopardy!
