Renowned violinist Ms. Yao Jue gives a rendition of the violin concerto The Butterfly Lovers

The two-day Annual Gala Concert of the Hong Kong Baptist University Symphony Orchestra, which was held at the Academic Community Hall on 19 and 20 April 2024, was a resounding success. The concert, themed “East West Encounters”, blended Chinese and Western cultures with art tech, offering the audience a sumptuous feast of unique and immersive artistic experience.

Led by Professor Johnny M. Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research) of HKBU, the HKBU Symphony Orchestra played a selection of classical pieces, a highlight of which was the performance of The Butterfly Lovers in collaboration with renowned violinist Ms. Yao Jue. Another highlight of the programme was the performance of Dance of the Yao People by the HKBU Symphony Orchestra, a piece that adapts Chinese folk music to symphonic arrangements and is one of the best known Chinese instrumental compositions of the 20th century. The music was accompanied by the vivid performance of artificial intelligence (AI)-generated virtual Yao dancers, whose performance was inspired by the dance and culture of the Yao ethnic group.

The performances were greeted with thunderous applause from the audience. The concert was attended by HKBU representatives, including Dr. Clement Chen, GBS, JP and Ir Professor Paul Poon, MH, Chairman and Deputy Chairman respectively of the Council and the Court; Mr. Kevin Liem, Treasurer of the Council and the Court; Professor Alexander Wai, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning) and Acting Dean of Arts; Ms. Christine Chow, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary; Professor Liu Jiming, Associate Vice-President (Research Development) .  

They were joined by HKBU Foundation members and friends of the University, including Ms. Rosanna Choi; Ms. Vicky Sung; Dr. Eddie Ho; Professor Simon Ho; Dr. Vincent Ho; Mr. Michael Hui, BBS, MH, JP; Mr. Philip Kan, MH; Mr. Kevin Ng; Ms. May So; Mr. Samuel Lam; Professor Bernard Wu; Mrs. Elizabeth Hung Wong; Dr. Pato Wong; Mr. Wong Nga Chung and Mr. Keith Yuen, SBS, JP. Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation, also attended the Concert.