Organist Maestro Ken Cowan presents a recital on the newly installed pipe organ

The Academy of Music at Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) held the Organ Dedication Concert on 23 October 2025 at the Elizabeth Hung Wong Activity Room in the University’s Campus of Creativity. The event was a resounding triumph, attracting a full house of passionate attendees. Internationally acclaimed organist Maestro Ken Cowan delivered a phenomenal performance on the newly installed C.B. Fisk Opus 158 pipe organ, earning rapturous applause from the audience.

In his welcoming address, Professor Alex Wai, JP, President and Vice-Chancellor, stated that the new pipe organ – installed in the Activity Room thanks to Mrs. Elizabeth Hung Wong's indispensable support – symbolises HKBU’s unwavering commitment to the arts and creativity. He expressed his profound gratitude to Mrs. Wong, praising her generous benefaction, foresight and meticulous planning, which made possible the acquisition and installation of this magnificent instrument.

Mrs. Elizabeth Hung Wong joyfully celebrated the completion of the organ, emphasising its significance for the Academy of Music’s pursuit of musical excellence and cultural enrichment. She recounted the collaborative efforts that brought the organ project to fruition, noting how the process exemplified creativity, teamwork, and perseverance in overcoming challenges. In her remarks, she thanked C.B. Fisk, Inc. for their expert guidance throughout the project, and welcomed their President, Mr. Michael Kraft, who had flown all the way from the U.S. to Hong Kong for the concert. She extended her appreciation to Mr. Steve Dieck, Chairman of C.B. Fisk, and Mr. Eric Lau, designer of the organ’s façade. Additionally, Mrs. Wong commended Maestro Ken Cowan for his exceptional performance, which provided an enlightening musical experience for HKBU staff, students and the wider community.

Professor Johnny M. Poon, Associate Vice-President (Interdisciplinary Research) cum Dean of the School of Creative Arts, detailed the logistical challenges of transporting over 1,900 pipes to Hong Kong. He lauded Mrs. Wong’s pivotal contribution, remarking, “Elizabeth’s vision and her labour of love were crucial to this endeavour. Her trust that HKBU would benefit from this beautiful instrument is greatly appreciated.”

The pipe organ is revered as the “King of Instruments” for its immense size and vast tonal range, which allows it to command majestic sonorities. Built by C.B. Fisk, Inc., the C.B. Fisk Opus 158 organ is a three-manual, 33-stop instrument with a tonal design that is both historically informed and broadly eclectic. It enables performers and audiences to experience authentic tonal palettes from 18th-century Germany as well as 18th- and 19th-century France, offering an immersive journey through the evolution of organ music.

The memorable event was graced by numerous HKBU Foundation members and friends, including Mr. James Wong; Mr. Billy Hung; Mr. Robert Hung; Professor Yeung Chap Yung and Mrs. Yeung; Mrs. Stella Lu; Mr. So Wing Kin and Mrs. Nora So; Mr. Wong Nga Chung; and Professor Kineta Hung. Mrs. Lily Chan, Director of University Advancement and Secretary-General of the HKBU Foundation, was also in attendance.