HKBU’s team leverages cutting-edge technologies to translate the brainwave patterns of the performers into motion images

Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Symphony Orchestra presented its Annual Gala Concert at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre on 1 April 2025. With the theme “Music Beyond Borders”, the concert offered nearly 1,200 audience members a musical odyssey through classical virtuosity, choral harmony, technological innovation, and emotional resonance.

Under the baton of Professor Johnny M. Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research), Founding Dean of Creative Arts and Dr. Hung Hin Shiu Endowed Professor in Music at HKBU, the orchestra delivered an enthralling programme featuring timeless classics by Bernstein, Bruch and Mahler. Spanish rising star Raquel Areal Martínez joined as the violin soloist, adding her exceptional artistry to the evening.

As a pioneer in the transdisciplinary study of musical creativity, HKBU took the laboratory to the concert hall, demonstrating a stunning fusion of art and neuroscience through innovative technology. Using functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) devices, the team monitored the performers’ brain oxygen saturation in real time, capturing and translating their brain activity into dynamic visual images through artificial intelligence. This created a unique musical experience while also providing real data for neuroscience research. Further enriching the programme, HKBU’s chamber choir, Cantoría Hong Kong, performed choral works by Brahms and Schoenberg.

The evening was filled with excitement and enthusiastic applause. HKBU representatives in attendance included Mr. Kevin Liem, Treasurer of the University’s Council and Court and the HKBU Foundation; Professor Alex Wai, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor; Professor Martin Wong, Provost; Dr. Albert Chau, Vice-President (Teaching and Learning); Ms. Christine Chow, Vice-President (Administration) and Secretary; and Professor Ng Ching Fai, GBS, President Emeritus.

A number of HKBU Foundation members and friends graced the occasion. Among them were Mr. James Chan; Dr. Chiu Chun Bong and Mrs. Luna Chiu; Ms. Rosanna Choi; Mr. Joseph Han; Dr. Eddie Ho; Mr. Michael Hui, BBS, MH, JP; Ms. Belinda Hung; Mr. Samuel Lam; Mr. and Mrs. Wade Lam; Professor David Lee Ka Yan, BBS, MH, CStJ, JP; Mr. Jackson Leung; Mr. Louis Leung; Dr. Ronald Lu and Mrs. Stella Lu; Professor Dickson Shang; Ms. Vicky Sung; Mr. Tin Wing Sin; Mr. Bryan Tin; Ms. Jacqueline Tong; Professor James Tsien and Professor Teresa Wong Tsien; Mr. James Wong and Mrs. Elizabeth Hung Wong; Mr. Wong Nga Chung; and Professor Bernard Wu. Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation, also attended this memorable event.