The Gala - HKU 100

Building on a Century of Excellence
The Centenary Celebrations span two years from January 2011 to the end of 2012
when the Centennial Campus opens.
The calendar of activities is still evolving. The project committees and
working groups are also growing and developing. The full list will be published
towards the end of 2012.
Join in and make the Centenary Celebrations a milestone!
Anthem
The 1912 University Anthem
Hearing the Anthem will transport you back a hundred years to
Edwardian Britain. This is music of the Empire, with the pomp and
circumstance of both the army (provided in 1912 by the military
band), and the church (courtesy of the Choir of the St John’s
Cathedral). The work is not an anthem in the sense of a ‘national
anthem’ that can be easily sung by all, but takes its bearings from the
church anthem, with Latin verses that speak of the light of knowledge
shining forth from the East.
HK Sinfonietta Ltd.
A recording also fixes for posterity what had always been an occasional work. So it was
critical to find local musicians of the highest calibre to record the Anthem. One hundred
and fifty musicians were needed. The chorus, directed by HKU alumnus, Ronnie Cheng, was
made up of members of the Union Choir of the University and the DBS DGS Senior Mixed
Choir. The Hong Kong Sinfonietta provided the orchestral accompaniment. The Anthem
was performed and recorded in City Hall on May 18, 2011 under the baton of the University
Artist Yip Wing-sie.
To bring this forgotten work back to life requires more than a reconstruction of an original
performance; it needs a dedicated team that can capture the spirit of HKU, animating the past
with such skill, sensitivity and musical brilliance that the music brings the audience itself to
life. I believe that this historic recording of the University Anthem captures this spirit.
Professor Daniel K L Chua
Head, School of Humanities
HK Sinfonietta Ltd.
The University Anthem was first per formed at the Opening
Ceremony of the University held on Monday, March 11, 1912, in front
of the then newly completed Main Building. It was performed by
the Choir of the St John’s Cathedral, the Chorus of the Philharmonic
Society, and the full Military Band of the 1st Battalion, King's Own
Yorkshire Light Infantry. The music was composed by Denman Fuller
and the Latin verses by Cecil Clementi. The Anthem was used at
formal University occasions until the 1930s, but after the war it was
largely forgotten, preserved in the archives as an historical curiosity
that could be seen but seldom heard. To celebrate the University's
centenary, this 100-year-old anthem has been revived. The music
has been reconstructed from the original parts, re-orchestrated and
recorded, bringing an old tradition back to life for a new century.
Bringing this work back to life was a complex task. First, a score had to
be put together like a jigsaw from the original parts in order to get a
‘picture’ of the original. From this sounding image, it was evident that
this anthem, designed for an outdoor occasion, was not a masterpiece
in orchestration but volume. There are two ways to revive the musical past: to reconstruct a historical
sound-world or to re-interpret the original in the light of the present. Although the former would
have been interesting, it was clear that the original arrangement would benefit from some refinement
if it were not to remain a historical curiosity. After all, an open-air anthem with its necessarily blunt
instrumentation would lack the expected nuances when reproduced as an ‘indoor’ recording. Moreover,
the military sounds and ecclesiastical tones seemed out of place for Hong Kong in the twenty-first
century. So the Anthem was not only revived, but given new set of orchestral colours by Dr Chan Hingyan, Chairperson of the Department of Music.
University Anthem
Finis hic operum! Domus
Stat potens Academia,
Unde ab occiduis recens
Ampliore flust plagis
Mox doctrina meatu.
Here end our labours!
Strong stand the buildings of the University,
whence modern learning soon will flow
from western land in more ample course.
Fons ubi est sapientia?
Et, Scientia, qua lates?
Pontus has negat in suis
Subditas latebris, negat
Has se Terra tenere.
Where is the fountain of wisdom?
And how, O science, art thou hidden?
The Sea denies that these are concealed
in his hiding-place
and the Earth denies that she contains them.
En! Dei reverentia
Hac scientia! Qui malis
Abstinet, sapit. Hoc diu
Munere assidue valentem
Exercete iuventam!
Lo! The fear of God–that is science!
Whoso abstains from evil, he is wise.
Long and earnestly may ye train
youth’s vigour in this duty!
Pandite ostia! Iam Deo
Gratias agimus. Dei
Semper auxilio novum
Splendeat sapientia
Lumen ex Oriente! AMEN
Fling open the gates!
Now we give thanks to God.
By God’s grace may the new light of wisdom
ever shine out from the East! AMEN
Lyrics by Sir Cecil Clementi
Translator: Unknown (1912)
Professor Daniel K L Chua
Dr Chan Hing-Yan
Yip Wing-sie
Ronnie Cheng
Hong Kong Sinfonietta
Hong Kong University Students' Union Choir
DBS DGS Senior Mixed Choir
Project Manager:
Sharon Lu
Recording Engineer: Clement Pong
“Strong stand the buildings of the University
Where modern learning soon will flow……”
University Anthem
Main Building
Hung Hing Ying Building
University Hall
Tang Chi Ngong Building
Opened in 1912
Declared a monument in 1984
Opened in 1919
Declared a monument in 1995
Producer:
Orchestration:
Conductor:
Choir Master:
Performers:
Built around 1860
Declared a monument in 1995
Opened in 1931
Declared a monument in 1995
Gala Dinner guests will receive a miniature of one of these buildings as a souvenir.
Sapientia
SapientiA a short film
An Alex Law . Mabel Cheung Production
Produced by Alex Law and Mabel Cheung
Directed by William Kwok
Students in Academic Gowns/Green Gowns
Mohammad Junaid Arshad Engineering Yr 1
Chan Sau Wing, Melody Business & Economics Yr 1
Willy Chan Business & Economics Yr 1
Fok Chi Man, Anson Science Yr 2
Thomas Gifford Social Sciences Master Yr 2
Ho Yim Kuen, Katherine Law Yr 2
Jacky Lai Medicine Yr 2
Evans Lam Arts Yr 3
Lee Kwun Kit, Jay Science Yr 4
Leung Tak Ming, Tim Arts Yr 2
Li Wang Sum, Will Education Yr 3
Liu Mengjie Business & Economics Yr 3
Line Lyngaas Business & Economics Yr 3
Ma Caoyuan Science Yr 2
Lorenzo Paglinawan Business & Economics Yr 3
Stan van der Burght Science Yr 2
Bouke Versteegh Business & Economics Yr 1
Wong Mei Mei, May Arts Yr 3
Brenda Hongbo Xie Engineering, MPhil Yr 2
Xu Jing Engineering, MPhil Yr 2
Hurdle Team
Jason Chan Science Yr 1
Mak Ho Chun, Kelvin Science Yr 3 Cheung Hok Wai Engineering Yr 3
Wu Ka Chun, Kelvin Business & Economics Yr 2
Dancers
Amanda Chan Science Yr 2
Ko Chung Chak Business & Economics Yr 2
AC Lok Engineering Yr 2
Dodo-Martin To Engineering Yr 3
Wong Sau Yee Arts Yr 2
Cheung Pak Yan, Shita Arts Yr 2
Kwong Sin Ting, Crystal Engineering Yr 2
Tang Ho On, Joson Medicine Yr 3
Astrid Wah Medicine Yr 2
Yuan Yu Engineering Yr 3
Chorus
Chan Chung Lok, Raymond Business & Economics Yr 2
Chan Yu Fan, Frankie Engineering Yr 2
Chiang Ka Chun, Jimmy Business & Economics Yr 1
Chow King Sang, Kingsley Business & Economics Yr 1
Fung Sum Tung, Carmen Business & Economics Yr 1 Veronica Lam Architecture Yr 1
Leung Chi Pang, Wilcox Arts Yr 2 Li Yining, Erin Social Sciences Yr 1 Dora Tamari-Tutnjevic Social Sciences Yr 3 Wong Yuen Shan, Elaine Arts Yr 2 Frederica Yeung Law Yr 1
Chan Ho Lun Business & Economics Yr 2
Chen Shen, Steven Medicine PhD Yr 1
Chiu Man Hei Science Yr 1
Chu Ching Yiu, Anthea Law Yr 1
Kwan Pak Hei, Keith Business & Economics Yr 1
Law Tak Kar, Jasmine Dentistry Yr 2
Leung Sze Nga, Cena Business & Economics Yr 2
Stephanie Liu Architecture Yr 2
Tang Tsz Wai, David Engineering Yr 1
Lizzy Xue Engineering Yr 1
Yeung Wing Tung Engineering Yr 2
Voice
Professor Michael Wilkinson
Professor S P Chow
The production of the short film “Sapientia” is supported by the Daniel Chan Fund
Brighten Me with Virtues
This is an unprecedented collaboration of three masters of Canto-Pop, Sam Hui, Lin Xi and
Adrian Chow, alumni of HKU from different generations.
Since its inception, HKU has been one of the prime movers of Hong Kong culture. Not only
culture in the sense of philosophy and high art, but also of popular longings and desires. Over
time HKU has generated a host of alumni who, through their groundbreaking creative works,
speak to common people’s sentiments and help shape a local collective identity.
Sam Hui, with his bold infusion of local vernacular into western Rock and Pop music genres
in the 1970s, literally created a new language of pop music. His songs offered a progressive
sound and a uniquely incisive take on the trials and tribulations of ordinary people. They have
since become the collective soundtracks for a whole generation making their mark in a rapidly
modernising Hong Kong.
Lin Xi’s lyrics have been a benchmark in the culture of Canto-Pop, thanks to his seemingly
incessant stream of outstanding works since the 1980s. From the diverse notions of love and
life, to the reflections on the younger generations’ attitudes to political issues, his blend of the
mundane and the philosophical has inspired many lyricists, not only locally but throughout the
Greater China and overseas Chinese community.
Though Adrian only started his music career in the 21st century, his key outputs via Kay Tse
have established him as an all-round composer-lyricist-arranger-producer. His hybrid music
styles are unmistakably of the new age. Yet in his compassionate tunes of socio-cultural
concerns, we can see echoes of Sam Hui, harking back to the “people’s voices”of the 1970s.
Over the years, we have debated and elaborated on the core values of HKU. We are thankful
the three alumni from three generations, on this important day of reflection, contribute their
thoughts on the topic. “Brighten Me with Virtues”, unadorned, uplifting and from the heart.
This is a song to remind us that we must continue to hold on and spread the quintessential core
values of our Alma Mater.
Dr C H Ng
Associate Professor, Department of Sociology
Dr Wong Chi Chung
Assistant Director, General Education Unit
Production Team
Composer: Sam Hui
Lyricist: Lin Xi
Music Arrangement: Adrian Chow
Co-producer
Sam Hui
Adrian Chow
Executive Producers
Raymond Ng
Ngai Ping Long
Chu Pui Hing
Dr Wong Chi Chung
Vocalists
Sam Hui
Kay Tse
Alfred Hui Dentistry Yr 5
MTV Director: Yankov Wong
MTV Cast: HKU Family Members
Student Chorus
Carmen Bat Social Sciences Yr 3
Ronald Chan Social Sciences Yr 3
Cheung Sze Man, Shaliman Business & Economics Yr 1
Marvin Chung Medicine Yr 3
Lam Ka Ho Science Yr 2
Lau Cheuk Hin Architecture Yr 2
Li Siu Long Science Yr 1
Mak Ching Wan, Agnes Education Yr 1
Yau Wing Lam Science Yr 1
Chan Ki Yeung, Katherine Arts Yr 2
Cheung Kar Yan, Jacqueline Education Yr 4
Chow Sen Yee Law Yr 4
Ho Sze Wing Education Yr 3
Lam Yuk Pui, Heidi Education Yr 3
Lee Kwun Kit, Jay Science Yr 4
Lok Yan Wa Arts Yr 2
Siu Wing See Law Yr 2
Yeung Chi Yuen Engineering Yr 1
The production of the Song and MTV is supported by Ms Priscilla Wong
Brighten Me with Virtues
Brighten Me with Virtues
The Road, made by those who walked before us, kindles a flame with insight,
Knowledge enlightening our souls,
With a spirit of exploration we seek after wisdom.
Seasons change, but our heritage remains.
This journey of a hundred years has nurtured us,
Sharpened our vision and broadened our horizon.
Brighten us with virtues; Brighten us with the clarity and perseverance of courage.
Let wisdom be our shield,
Guard our intellect as we tread the path,
Even through the darkest night our spirit remains ablaze,
Abounding in truth - this is our motto.
Standing fast against the wind and storm - this is our motto.
We blaze a trail, following our hearts, pursuing truth;
Seeking insight, we build the future.
With wisdom, we embrace freedom and commitment,
Discerning right from wrong, like the holy fire, burning ever brighter when challenged.
The world advances, a heritage built by generations.
From the last hundred years to the next,
We learn from history, we create history.
(A translation)
The Centenary Celebrations started in January 2011 and will continue
till the end of 2012 with the opening of the Centennial Campus
http://100.hku.hk
HKU alumni have fought to eradicate poverty,
promote equality, ensure sustainability….
Rest assured, HKU students are building a better world
in their own unique ways.
http://100.hku.hk/service100
http://cedarshku.hk/servicenetwork
Net proceeds of the Gala Dinner will support student projects
Novum Splendeat Sapientia Lumen ex Oriente!
May the new light of wisdom ever shine out from the East !
HKU 80th Anniversary
In 1993, The Bank of East Asia launched the HKU Graduate Credit Card,
the first among tertiary institutions in Hong Kong, at the Finale of “Expo 2001”
to support the HKU Foundation for Educational Development & Research.
“Expo 2001”, held at the HKCEC, demonstrated to more than 200,000 visitors
the University’s vision and confidence in Hong Kong’s future beyond 1997.
HKU 90th Anniversary
In 2001, The Bank of East Asia was the Diamond Sponsor of the memorable
Grand Reunion Dinner of December 18, held at the HKCEC, which was attended by
3,500 alumni, staff members, students and friends to celebrate the University’s
commitment to serving Hong Kong and the world.
HKU 100th Anniversary
Today, The Bank of East Asia is again proud to support the
Centenary Gala Dinner, as 5,300 alumni, staff members, students and friends,
with many more thousands beyond the halls and
around the world via the internet,
share the missions and pledge of the University
and herald in its next one hundred years.
Diamond Sponsor
The Bank of East Asia