About Xiaofeng.
Xiaofeng Hou (b. 2002, Beijing, China) is a light lyric tenor and singer-songwriter who explores the intersection of classical opera and contemporary music. Currently based in Boston, Massachusetts, 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 (2020–2024), 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 is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree at the New England Conservatory (NEC), studying under the tutelage of Bradley Williams.
He has benefited from masterclasses and mentorship with distinguished artists, including John Fisher, Glenn Morton, Ennio Brugnolo, JJ Penna, Brett Hodgdon, Timothy Steele, and Norman Reinhardt. Furthermore, Hou has had the privilege of collaborating with conductors Robert Tweten, Mina Kim, and Curtis Serafin, as well as directors Joshua Major, Steven Goldstein, Margaret Jumonville, Daniel Isengart, and Wei Chen, further enriching his stage artistry.
Hou’s recent and upcoming operatic engagements underscore his evolving artistic versatility. In summer 2025, he was featured as Tamino in Die Zauberflöte with Chicago Summer Opera, attending on a full scholarship. Additionally, he performed Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni) and Il Podestà (La finta giardiniera) while participating in Classic Lyric Arts Berkshires.
At the New England Conservatory (NEC) during the 2025–2026 season, his varied roles include 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 / 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 & 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 “甘木 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 expressivity and stage command, fostering a rare comfort across diverse performance genres. Hou’s artistry has been recognized internationally with numerous awards, including:
Artistic Excellence Award, Jacobs School of Music (2024)
Gold Medal, London Young Musician (Romantic Period, UK)
Gold Medal, Manchester International Music Competition (UK)
Third Prize, Stravinsky International Music Competition (Russia)
San Diego District Singer, Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition (2025, in process)
As a songwriter, Hou naturally integrates his classical sensibility into the world of modern Mandarin pop. His original singles, 《海棠》 (Begonia, 2024) and 《没人和你说话》 (No One’s Talking to You, 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.