Media

HKU to hold Centenary Gala Dinner An evening to share with HKU Community members and Hong Kong people

16 Dec 2011

The University of Hong Kong is holding a gala dinner this Sunday (December 18) at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as a part of the University's Centenary celebration activities. Over 5,000 guests including alumni, staff and students will be participating in this memorable event.

The dinner will be held in the Grand Hall and Foyer of the New Wing, and the Convention Hall and Foyer of the Old Wing with over 360 tables of guests.

Joining the event are HKU Chancellor Dr the Hon Donald Tsang, Pro-Chancellor Dr the Hon David Li Kwok Po, Vice-Chancellor Professor Lap-Chee Tsui and former Vice-Chancellors Professor Rayson Huang, Professor Wang Gungwu, Professor Cheng Yiu-chung and some 80 overseas and local University Presidents from all over the world.

Gifts dedicated by HKU alumni and staff will be presented at the dinner. A short film "Sapientia" will be premiered at the Gala Dinner. The film has been produced by alumni and famous directors Mabel Cheung and Alex Law, both University Artists, using the newly recorded HKU Anthem as the background music. The 1912 University Anthem, reconstructed from the original parts by the Head of HKU Music Department Dr Chan Hing-yan will be heard by the public again. The Anthem was composed 100 years ago by organist of St John's Cathedral Denman Fuller, and the Latin verses by the then Acting Colonial Secretary former Governor Sir Cecil Clementi. It was first performed at the Opening Ceremony of the University held on Monday, March 11 1912, in front of the newly-completed Main Building by the Choir of the St John's Cathedral and others. The anthem was used at formal University occasions until the 1930s and was then preserved in the archives.  To celebrate the University's centenary, this 100-year-old anthem has been revived. The music has been re-orchestrated and recorded under the baton of Yip Wing-Sie, Artistic Director of Hong Kong Sinfonietta, HKU University Artist; and sung by the HKU Students' Union Choir, and the choirs of Diocesan Boy's School and Diocesan Girl's School.

A new song will also be presented by alumni from four generations. In true Canto-Pop style, "Brighten Me with Virtues"《明我以德》is an unprecedented collaboration of three masters - composed and produced by Sam Hui (70's), lyrics by Lin Xi (80's), arranged and co-produced by Adrian Chow (90's). The Song was recorded by pop-singers - Arts alumna Kay Tse (90's) and undergraduate student Alfred Hui together with 18 HKU students. A video on the making of the Song will be premiered at the Gala Dinner.

Moreover, a bazaar at "University Drive" - a 200-M long corridor will be set up on the way between the Old Wing and the New Wing with thematic photo backdrops to refresh participants of the memories of their university lives.

Media representatives are cordially invited to cover the Opening Ceremony and the photo sessions before the dinner.

Details as follows:

Centenary Gala Dinner
Date: 18 December 2011 (Sunday)

Media activities
Time: 5pm
Guests registration and photo sessions of Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and former Vice-Chancellors, Council Chairman and former Chairmen, and Gala Hosts
Venue: Lobby, New Wing, HKCEC (Expo Drive) - in designated areas only

Time:
7pm (dinner starts)
7:30pm to 8pm (Opening Ceremony)
Venue: New Wing Grand Hall, Old Wing Convention Hall - in designated areas only

Media please pay attention:
Media registration will begin at 4:45pm.

• A media reception counter is set up in the lobby of entrance of New Wing at Expo Drive
• In view of the anticipated large number of guests moving around on the corridor between the two halls in the Old Wing and the New Wing, the area is closed for access by the media. Please consider staying in the Grand Hall for photo taking and video shooting of the ceremony on the stage.
• Photographers are reminded to bring their long lenses.
• As a matter of courtesy, please avoid directly flash light at guests, in particular the elderly guests. Please kindly consider not to use flashes at all.
• While the opening ceremony is in progress, please refrain from leaving the Hall

For media enquiries, please contact Ms Trinni Choy (Assistant Director (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2606 email: pychoy@hku.hk or Ms Melanie Wan (Manager (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office) tel: 2859 2600 email: melwkwan@hku.hk.