Xiaofeng Hou — Light Lyric Tenor & Singer-Songwriter

Born in 2002 in Beijing, China, Xiaofeng Hou is a light lyric tenor and singer-songwriter whose artistry bridges the worlds of classical opera and contemporary music. Currently based in Boston, Massachusetts, he is known for his resonant tone, expressive phrasing, and the rare versatility to move seamlessly between Mozartian elegance and modern emotional storytelling.

Education and Training

Hou began his musical studies in Beijing, earning his Bachelor of Music degree from the China Conservatory of Music (2020–2024). There, he received rigorous classical training and early opportunities to perform in major venues such as the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA). His talent and dedication led him to the New England Conservatory (NEC) in Boston, where he is currently pursuing a Master of Music degree under the guidance of Bradley Williams.

Hou’s artistic formation has been shaped by masterclasses and mentorship from leading figures including John Fisher, Glenn Morton, Ennio Brugnolo, JJ Penna, Brett Hodgdon, Timothy Steele, Xingwa Hao, William Burden, Darrell Babidge, Allan Glassman, Stephen West, Jack Li Vigni, and Norman Reinhardt. His collaborations with distinguished conductors Robert Tweten, Mina Kim, and Curtis Serafin, and directors Joshua Major, Steven Goldstein, Margaret Jumonville, Daniel Isengart, and Wei Chen, further enriched his interpretive and stage artistry.

Operatic and Performance Experience

Hou’s recent and upcoming operatic roles reflect a rapidly ascending career trajectory.

In 2025, he appeared as Tamino in Die Zauberflöte with Chicago Summer Opera as a full scholarship recipient and performed Don Ottavio (Don Giovanni) and Il Podestà (La finta giardiniera) with Classic Lyric Arts Berkshires.

At NEC, his 2025–2026 roles include Prince in Rusalka: The Littlest Mermaid, Lopakhin in The Cherry Orchard, Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore, and Don Basilio / Don Curzio in Le nozze di Figaro.

In concert settings, he has appeared as a soloist at Liederabend (NEC) and Steinway Hall (Changsha), and as a guest artist in the Yanqi Lake Music Festival, JD & Tencent Music Festivals, and the China Conservatory University Tour. His past performances include appearances at 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 of the rock band “Gummo,” which has given nearly ten sold-out concerts in Beijing, each drawing audiences of over a thousand. This dynamic stage experience complements his operatic expressivity and stage command.

Awards and Distinctions

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)

These distinctions underscore both his technical refinement and his expressive musicianship.

Contemporary Music and Songwriting

As a songwriter, Hou brings 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 available on Spotify and NetEase, earning praise for their lyrical depth and emotional subtlety. His multi-instrumental background—piano, guitar, ukulele, and French horn—enriches his compositions and live performances alike.

Artistic Vision

Influenced by the vocal ideals of Beniamino Gigli, Lauri-Volpi, and Giuseppe Di Stefano, Hou strives to unite bel canto lyricism with contemporary honesty. His long-term artistic vision is to bridge classical and popular music, introducing operatic nuance to modern audiences while keeping the emotional immediacy that defines both traditions.

Conclusion

At just twenty-three, Xiaofeng Hou stands at the forefront of a new generation of tenors—technically assured, musically adventurous, and emotionally sincere. Whether portraying a prince in a Mozart opera or performing an original ballad before a thousand listeners, Hou’s artistry reflects a voice devoted to both tradition and innovation, honoring the past while shaping the future of vocal performance.