Jia Hou is an internationally acclaimed violinist, renowned for her refined and elegant performance style and exceptional artistic depth. Beginning her violin studies under her father’s guidance, Jia demonstrated early promise, securing the top spot in her entrance to the Affiliated High School of Wuhan Conservatory of Music at the age of 12. Her exceptional talent and dedication earned her the highest-ranking admission to the Orchestral Department of the Central Conservatory of Music, where she studied under the esteemed violin educator and department chair, Professor Liu Peiyan. With a career spanning decades, Jia Hou has graced some of the most prominent stages across China, Europe, and North America, leaving a lasting legacy in the world of classical music.
After graduating, Jia joined the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater Symphony Orchestra—an institution of significant historical importance and one of the largest national performing arts organizations in Asia. Established in 1951, the orchestra has since garnered international acclaim. Her artistic brilliance paved the way for her to become the youngest and first female concertmaster of a national-level symphony orchestra in China. This achievement marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of Chinese symphonic music and established Jia Hou as a leading representative of Chinese female musicians on the global stage. She has collaborated with world-class musicians, including the celebrated conductor Lü Jia, renowned violinist Lü Siqing, soprano Dilibal, composer and conductor Tan Dun, and legendary tenor Plácido Domingo. These partnerships not only enriched her artistic journey but also reinforced her unique position as a bridge between diverse musical traditions.
Jia Hou pursued further excellence by enrolling in a Master’s program at Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles, studying under the guidance of internationally acclaimed violinist and educator, Professor Xue Suli, chair of the prestigious Schoenfeld Foundation. Under his mentorship, Jia achieved significant growth in her mastery of classical violin, culminating in the completion of her Master’s degree in Music.
Following her academic pursuits, Jia continued to captivate audiences on the international stage with her dynamic and emotive performances. In July 2024, she held solo concerts in Vienna and Romania, where she engaged deeply with local orchestras. Her expressive interpretations were met with high acclaim, injecting fresh vitality into cultural exchanges across borders.
Jia Hou’s artistic journey is marked not only by personal achievements but also by her profound understanding of music as a cultural bridge. With unwavering dedication, she established the Jia Hou ArtiNova Foundation, which seeks to merge classical music with contemporary art forms, reshaping the classical music experience to resonate with modern audiences. This innovative approach has introduced a unique dimension to classical music, sparking a renewed interest among younger audiences and inviting them to rediscover the profound beauty of traditional art within the inclusive realm of modern performance. The foundation’s mission is to create opportunities for children to explore and nurture their musical potential, enriching their minds and spirits through the transformative power of art. Through immersive musical experiences, Jia aims to support the growth of young minds, encouraging them to find their path in life through the companionship of music. This endeavor extends her rich experience in music education and underscores her deep commitment as a global musician to fostering societal growth.
Jia Hou is driven by the goal of broadening access to and appreciation of music through her foundation. She is equally committed to exploring the ways classical music can be seamlessly integrated into contemporary society. She envisions this timeless art form continuing to thrive, offering deep emotional and spiritual sustenance. In her view, classical music is not only a gift passed down through time but an enduring artistic force that accompanies and uplifts human life. Her tireless efforts aim to ensure that this art form remains relevant in the modern era, allowing more people to find comfort, inspiration, and strength within its harmonious embrace.
Key Achievements and Honors
- June 2022 – First Prize and Excellence Award in the violin category of the CIMC International Music Competition
- May 2022 – First Prize in the senior division at the “Grand Prize Virtuoso” International Music Competition in Salzburg and Amsterdam
- March 2021 – First Prize in the violin category at the Charleston International Music Competition, awarded Outstanding Performer
- July 2020 – First Prize in the senior violin division at the 7th Hong Kong International Music Festival
- October 2019 – Unanimous Excellence Award in the senior professional solo division of the “Young Artists Competition”
- 2021-2022 – Jury Member, Charleston International Music Competition
- 2021-2022 – Music Fellow, Montecito International Music Festival
- 2017-2019 – Senior Jury Member, Central Conservatory of Music Evaluation Committee
Music Education and Public Speaking
Jia Hou has devoted substantial effort to nurturing the next generation of musicians, mentoring numerous talented young performers. She has also delivered children’s music education lectures for multinational corporations and educational platforms, including Microsoft and Lean In China. Her lectures are both insightful and inspiring, encouraging parents to prioritize the artistic growth of their children.