About Xiaofeng.
Xiaofeng Hou (b. 2002, Beijing, China) is a lyric tenor and singer songwriter who explores the intersection of classical opera and contemporary music. Currently based in Boston, Massachusetts, and preparing to relocate to Cincinnati, Ohio, he approaches his diverse repertoire with a focus on resonant tone and expressive phrasing, allowing him to navigate both Mozartian elegance and modern emotional storytelling.
Hou completed his foundational musical training in Beijing, receiving his Bachelor of Music degree from the China Conservatory of Music (2020 to 2024), where he studied under the guidance of tenor Xingwa Hao. His studies included rigorous classical training and early performance experience at venues such as the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). He recently earned his Master of Music degree from the New England Conservatory (NEC), studying under the tutelage of Bradley Williams. In the upcoming 2026 to 2027 season, Hou will join the University of Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music to pursue his Artist Diploma in Opera Performance, where he is scheduled to perform the role of Rodolfo in La boheme.
Hou’s recent and upcoming operatic engagements underscore his evolving artistic versatility. In the summer of 2026, he joins Wolf Trap Opera as a Studio Artist, covering the role of Lensky in Eugene Onegin and performing in the chorus for La Cenerentola. In the summer of 2025, he was featured as Tamino in Die Zauberflote with Chicago Summer Opera, attending on a full scholarship. Additionally, he performed Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni) and Il Podesta (La finta giardiniera) while participating in Classic Lyric Arts Berkshires.
At the New England Conservatory (NEC) during the 2025 to 2026 season, his varied roles included the Prince in Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid, Lopakhin in The Cherry Orchard, Nemorino (cover) in L'elisir d'amore, and the dual roles of Don Basilio and Don Curzio in Le nozze di Figaro.
In concert settings, Hou has been invited to perform as a soloist at the Liederabend series (NEC) and a recital at Steinway Hall (Changsha), and as a guest artist at prestigious events such as the Yanqi Lake Music Festival, the JD and Tencent Music Festivals, and the China Conservatory University Tour. His performance venues have included Vienna’s Golden Hall, Beijing’s NCPA, Boston’s Jordan Hall, and Chicago’s Ganz Hall.
Parallel to his classical work, Hou is the lead vocalist and guitarist for the rock band Gummo. The band has given nearly ten sold out concerts in Beijing, consistently drawing audiences of over a thousand. This dynamic stage experience complements his operatic expressiveness and stage command, fostering a rare comfort across diverse performance genres.
Hou’s artistry has been recognized internationally with numerous awards, including:
Western Region Encouragement Award, Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (2026)
San Diego District Winner, Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (2025)
Gold Medal, London Young Musician (Romantic Period, UK)
Gold Medal, Manchester International Music Competition (UK)
Third Prize, Stravinsky International Music Competition (Russia)
As a songwriter, Hou naturally integrates his classical sensibility into the world of modern Mandarin pop. His original singles, Begonia (海棠, 2024) and No One's Talking to You (没人和你说话, 2025), are currently available on platforms like Spotify and NetEase, and have been noted for their lyrical depth and emotional subtlety. His proficiency on multiple instruments, including piano, guitar, ukulele, and French horn, enriches both his compositions and live stage presence.
Influenced by the vocal traditions of tenors such as Beniamino Gigli, Giacomo Lauri Volpi, and Giuseppe Di Stefano, Hou is dedicated to uniting the lyricism of bel canto with contemporary honesty. His long term artistic vision centers on bridging classical and popular music, introducing operatic nuance to modern audiences while preserving the emotional immediacy that defines both performance traditions.
Additionally, Hou has shared his expertise beyond the stage, serving as a guest lecturer for music and choral workshops invited by Tsinghua University and the Ministry of Education of China.