From Chiayi High School to the International Stage: Hou Xinghe Bravely Pursues His Piano Dream

Hou Xinghe, hailed as a "new cross-border piano talent," is set to perform in his hometown of Chiayi City on August 22nd. The concert, titled "Bo Yin. Jia Yi," will feature him alongside two fellow Boston University alumni: violinist Chen Jia-yi and clarinetist Chang Ting. This performance marks a return to his roots, allowing his hometown community to witness the transformation and confidence of a "Chiayi boy" who has pursued artistic dreams on the international stage.

At 28, Hou's musical journey began at age four. Despite his parents not steering him toward a formal music education, his passion for music and relentless self-driven effort propelled him forward. He eventually earned dual bachelor's and master's degrees in political science and piano from Boston University. This non-traditional path highlights his determination to excel in the demanding world of classical music.

Hou is an active presence on international solo and concerto stages, having performed at prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Boston Symphony Hall, as well as the National Concert Hall in Taipei. His accolades include reaching the finals of the International German Piano Competition Weimar – Bayreuth Liszt and receiving recognition in multiple international competitions. His performances have spanned Europe, the Americas, and Asia.

Beyond his performance career, Hou engages in charitable work and cross-disciplinary projects, including participating in a Taiwan-Japan charity concert that fused piano with Taiwanese culture. He has also donated a grand piano to his alma mater, Yongqing High School, to promote arts education in his hometown. Known for his gentle demeanor and academic prowess, Hou often contemplates how to deeply interpret music, challenging conventional approaches. He finds that online resources and AI interactions help him overcome musical challenges, supplementing his extensive study of music theory and his unique approach to developing piano technique.

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Through constantly flipping through music theory books, and interacting and conversing with AI online, many problems can be easily solved.