SOPHIA THE ROBOT & THE HKBU SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA 

Live Music ReIMAGINEd: Humanoid robot Sophia made her classical music debut in Hong Kong, performing alongside the Hong Kong Baptist Symphony Orchestra in an AI-themed concert blending technology and traditional art.

Hong Kong BU Symphony Orchestra presented its Annual Gala Concert at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre on 29 April 2026. Themed “Live Music ReIMAGINEd”, the event stood out as one of the most innovative cultural highlights in the city this year.

Sophia sang three original songs, as well as the classical theme from the WuKong game, and received strong applause from the audience. Musical director at Hanson Robotics, Jovanka v. Wilsdorf said “collaborating with over 100 dedicated professionals from tech & music, across continents, cultures, and the most diverse backgrounds – all inspired by Sophia – was a great honor.
It also illustrated beautifully how AI and robotics can spark human creativity. Hearing Sophia sing her songs that evening with this incredible orchestra and the audience’s warm reception were important moments for me”. 

Developed by Hanson Robotics in 2016, Sophia is known for her lifelike expressions, but this marked her first performance with a live orchestra. Under the baton of Professor Johnny M. Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research), Dean of the School of Creative Arts, this year’s concert pushed creative boundaries even further. The concert also featured AI-generated visuals and hybrid performances, highlighting the growing intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence.

This annual gala concert attracted a wide audience of government officials, members of the Council and the Court at HKBU, alumni, donors, staff, students, and distinguished guests from various sectors of the community, including Miss Rosanna Law Shuk Pui, JP,  Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of the Government of the HKSAR; Mr. Kevin Liem, Treasurer of the University’s Council and Court and the HKBU Foundation; Professor Alex Wai, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Clement Chen, GBS, JP, former Chairman of the Council and the Court of HKBU; and Professor Ng Ching Fai, GBS, President Emeritus.

Orchestra reworks by:
Julian Chan Yuk Pan, Billy Ng, Dr.Lam Kwan Fai – arranged by: Ronald Fu, Michael Wong
Curated and conducted by:
Prof. Johnny M. Poon

Performed Sophia songs: