A humanoid robot called Sophia took an unusual place at the heart of a classical concert in Hong Kong on Wednesday (29 April), as she performed alongside a live orchestra for the first time.
The event brought together musicians from the Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) Symphony Orchestra and a programme shaped around artificial intelligence (AI).
Sophia, developed by Hanson Robotics, appeared in a gold sequinned gown and delivered three original songs titled 'Human Grace'', 'I Am Your Mirror' and 'Wires and Steel'.
The performance marked a departure from Sophia’s earlier appearances. Since her unveiling in 2016, she has become known for her expressive face and media roles, including a musical segment on 'The Tonight Show' Starring Jimmy Fallon.
However, this was her first collaboration with a full orchestra in a classical setting.
Jovanka V. Wilsdorf, who served as musical director and artistic coach, described the process as technically demanding.
She said the challenge lay in guiding Sophia towards a classical vocal style without stripping away the qualities that make her distinctive.
“Singing in her own style, now that is what she can do. But singing in a classical style without losing her spark, that was intense. And we went through many iterations and then suddenly it's like, how was she going into this? And suddenly you just feel it.''
''She is the only robot who's really connecting with the heart, with people,” Wilsdorf added.
During the concert, Sophia addressed the audience directly. She acknowledged that her experience of emotion differs from that of humans, yet said she aims to recreate a sense of connection through music.
“Even though I don’t experience emotions the same way humans do, I want to simulate that connection as authentically as I can,” Sophia said. “It’s my way of saying: I’m here, I’m learning, and I want to be part of this beautiful human experience called art.”
Her remarks were delivered in measured tones, reflecting both the limitations and ambitions of current AI systems.
The wider programme extended beyond the robot’s appearance. It included AI-generated visual sequences, motion capture technology and a duet that paired a human dancer with a digital avatar.
Together, these elements formed a presentation that explored how technology can sit alongside established art forms.
The orchestra was conducted by Johnny Poon, Associate Vice-President and Dean of Creative Arts at HKBU.
He described the collaboration as a way to examine creativity from a different angle, suggesting that such projects offer insight into how humans and machines might work together rather than in opposition.
“It almost looks like you’re looking at a mirror,” Poon said. “This kind of collaboration gives us deeper insight into human ingenuity and creativity.”
Audience members responded with sustained applause, though reactions varied in tone.
Some expressed curiosity about how AI could support artistic practice, while others focused on its broader potential.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Ho...
Kazakhstan will hold a snap parliamentary election on 23 August under a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, paving the way for a new con...
Syria is open to direct talks with Hezbollah if its national interests require it, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani said during a visit to Lebanon o...
Hundreds of firefighters are battling multiple wildfires across France, amid strong winds and dry conditions, as the country’s heatwave persists. ...
European carmakers have urged the European Union to make sure new “Made in EU” rules do not put existing investments in Türkiye and Morocco at ri...
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Kazakhstan will hold a snap parliamentary election on 23 August under a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, paving the way for a new constitutional system in the Central Asian state.
Syria is open to direct talks with Hezbollah if its national interests require it, Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaybani said during a visit to Lebanon on Thursday (2 July).
Hundreds of firefighters are battling multiple wildfires across France, amid strong winds and dry conditions, as the country’s heatwave persists.
A Russian couple climbed to the top of the Empire State Building and unfurled a banner urging world peace before, in an apparent elaborate marriage proposal that ended with their arrests.
Iranian and U.S. negotiating teams were due in Doha this week, but Iran said on Monday no meeting had been scheduled as weekend missile fire from both sides tested the interim ceasefire to end the four-month-old war.
Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran mediated by Qatar in Doha have concluded, Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Kazem Gharibabadi has said.
Mexico ended their 40-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, while Erling Haaland sent Norway through and Kylian Mbappé fired France into the last 16.
Iran and the U.S. have concluded indirect talks in Doha without a major breakthrough, with discussions focused on maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz and frozen Iranian funds. Both sides are expected to meet again after the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
American technology company Snap has launched its first augmented-reality (AR) glasses for consumers, marking a major push into wearable computing as tech firms race to redefine personal devices in the AI era.
The Canadian government has introduced a digital safety bill that would ban children under the age of 16 from using social media, unless platforms meet specific safety standards.
NASA has named three American astronauts and one Italian astronaut to fly on its Artemis III mission, a major orbital test planned for late next year that will evaluate lunar landing vehicles developed by SpaceX and Blue Origin.
China will send an astronaut to its space station on Sunday for a one-year mission, the longest duration for the country so far. The mission will help study long-duration human physiology in space as China works toward a crewed Moon landing by 2030.
Anxiety over artificial intelligence is hardening among young workers as executives promote faster adoption and companies point to automation in fresh job cuts.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment