Born in Taiwan and raised in a small town in Arkansas, Taiwanese-American conductor Jerry Hou is now recognized for his dynamic presence, insightful interpretations, musical versatility, and commanding technique on the podium.

Studying conducting with Jorma Panula in Finland, Hou is known for his flexibility in many styles and genres. He 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, Anthony Davis, Steve Reich, Andrew Norman, and Melinda Wagner.

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 began his association with the New York Philharmonic and Music Director Jaap van Zweden in 2021, first conducting the Orchestra in 2022. He made his NY Phil debut leading a Young People’s Concert (YPC) in 2023, and returned to conduct seven concerts this past season to celebrate the series’ centennial. As Cover/Assistant Conductor, he worked closely with Esa-Pekka Salonen (Music Director of the San Francisco Symphony), Stéphane Denève (Music Director of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra), Paavo Järvi (Music Director of the Tonhalle Orchester-Zürich), Marin Alsop (Music Director Laureate of the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra), etc. The highlights in 2025 include the collaboration with Marek Janowski and Robin Ticciati (Music Director of the DSO Berlin).

He is on the faculty of Rice University’s Shepherd School of Music, where he is Artist Teacher of orchestras and ensembles.