[News from Institutions] RECREATED CLASSICS: The Music Golden Age in Sound and Frame Exhibition Officially Opens
Century-old audio pioneer B&O joins forces with HKIPP masters and HKDI’s new generation to relive the classics of Hong Kong’s music scene, sparking a timeless conversation

Organised by the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI), in collaboration with the audio pioneer inheriting a century of sound artistry Bang & Olufsen (B&O) and the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers (HKIPP), the opening ceremony of  “RECREATED CLASSICS: The Music Golden Age in Sound and Frame” was held today at the HKDI Experience Centre, celebrating a cross-disciplinary showcase of sound and image. Since opening to the public from 3 October, the exhibition is well received and will continue to run until 12 November. Spanning the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, this exhibition showcases original copies of the film images and walks you through stories behind the creation of iconic album covers from the charismatic and legendary pop stars such as Leslie CHEUNG, Anita MUI, and the “Four Heavenly Kings.” With B&O’s century of acoustic craftsmanship, these classics are revived through immersive sound, alongside fresh interpretations from the HKDI’s new generation, crafting a nostalgic journey where sound and vision intertwine.

The Golden Era of Pop Music Through the Lens

The exhibition brings together rare original works by five renowned photographers, Jonny KOO, Sam WONG, CHEUNG Man-wah, Cambo WONG, and Franklin LAU, who stand as pillars of Hong Kong’s photography scene across the 80s to the 2000s. Having witnessed the golden age of Cantopop, they captured countless iconic moments of music legends through their lenses: from the pioneering presence of Sam HUI to the electrifying stage aura of Leslie CHEUNG and Anita MUI, as well as the youthful rise and peak of the “Four Heavenly Kings” - Andy LAU, Aaron KWOK, Jacky CHEUNG, and Leon LAI, and the distinctive styles of Faye WONG, Ekin CHENG, Sammi CHENG, Twins and Fiona SIT. Through master application of lighting, composition, styling, and set design, these photographers helped shape the iconic images of pop icons. Their work became a mirror of each era’s evolving aesthetic trends, from the fashionable elegance of the 1980s, to the expressive boldness of the 1990s, and the digital creativity of the 2000s. 

Featuring not only rare original album cover drafts, but also unique copy of film production materials, including Polaroid test shots, slides, and print proofs, the occasion allows visitors to experience the warmth and creative process of analogue photography, while the visible grain and imperfections evoke the romance of the film era. As participating photographer CHEUNG Man-wah eloquently puts it, “Every beam of light in film carries a unique spontaneity. These works are not just ‘photographs,’ they are the frozen and captured sound of an era.”

Carl TSANG, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers noted, "This exhibition, co-curated with the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and Bang & Olufsen, stems from our shared passion for design, art, and music. The Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers (HKIPP) has long been dedicated to promoting local photographic art, and this exhibition exemplifies the fusion of photography, design, and music, making it a rare and inspiring cross-disciplinary collaboration. Through the original film works of five renowned photographers, we hope audiences can relive the iconic moments of Hong Kong’s music scene and experience the cultural depth and emotional power carried by these images. "

An Immersive Experience Through a Century of B&O Sound and the Iconic Melodies 

To mark the centennial of B&O, the pioneering brand that seamlessly blends classic design aesthetics with acoustic artistry, the brand is showcasing a curated selection of its iconic audio equipment from across the decades, inviting visitors on a time-traveling audiovisual journey. These devices each bear witness to the evolution of music - from analogue to digital and now streaming. Resonating with the spirit of every era, they seamlessly fuse image and sound, preserving both the warmth of its time and the auditory memories it carries.

At the exhibition, B&O’s classic systems are far more than playback devices, as they embody the brand’s century-long craftsmanship and commitment to longevity. They reflect the transformation of music formats from analog to digital and into the streaming age. This chapter of history begins with the original version of the Beogram 3000 turntable from the 1980s, moving on to the Beosound 3000 CD player, then to the brand’s first MP3 player, the Beosound 2, and finally the Beosound 5, created in response to the surging demand for digital music. These cross-generational audio products each embody a unique pursuit of acoustic aesthetics reflective of their era. 

In recent years, B&O has also brought to us the “Recreated Classics” collection, restoring classic models with modern enhancements and extending the product lifespan including Jacob JENSEN’s iconic Beogram 4000 turntable from the 1970s and the Beosound 9000 designed by David LEWIS in the 90s. The design philosophy behind these exhibits is rooted in groundbreaking creativity, elevating the tangible media into sculptural works of art, rekindling the romance of the physical music era.

At the exhibition, the “Sound & Frame” zone will allow visitors to listen to era-defining hits through B&O headphones while admiring visuals of corresponding album covers. It acts as time machine, reviving familiar melodies with pure, immersive sound, creating a multisensory experience that seamlessly synchronise visual and sound, awakening a collective resonance that transcends time. 

Grace LEUNG, Head of Hong Kong, Taiwan & Macao at Bang & Olufsen commented, "We are deeply honoured to collaborate with the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) and the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers (HKIPP) to present this cultural feast that blends light and sound, nostalgia and innovation, while also marking the beginning of B&O’s 100th anniversary celebrations. Through the exhibition, we not only witness the legacy and evolution of Hong Kong’s pop culture but also feel the passion and creativity of younger designers as they merge music with design, which truly reflects our brand’s century-long commitment to acoustic aesthetics and the spirit of innovation. We hope visitors will experience the acoustic aesthetics of each era through the exhibition and be inspired to imagine and explore new possibilities in music and design."

Legacy and Innovation: A Creative Relay by HKDI’s New Generation

With a vision rooted in heritage and innovation, HKDI’s Department of Fashion and Image Design has provided students with invaluable opportunities to engage with leading professionals through the partnership with B&O and HKIPP.

B&O invited renowned photographer Jonny KOO, a featured artist in the exhibition, to lead a portrait photography masterclass for students of HKDI’s Higher Diploma in Fashion & Image Design. With a seasoned perspective, KOO shared profound insights into shooting techniques, imparted industry expertise, and guided students through hands-on practice to ignite their creative vision.

To further support the design community and emerging local talent, HKDI, in collaboration with B&O and HKIPP, hosted the “Recreated Classics – Album Cover” competition, inviting students from the department to reinterpret classic album covers from different eras using contemporary design language. President of HKIPP Carl TSANG, esteemed photographers Jonny KOO, Alfred KO, and TSAI King-yan served as judges, offering expert critiques and selecting three winning entries. These outstanding works will be displayed in a dedicated showcase in the exhibition presented alongside masterpieces by industry veterans. 

HKDI’s virtual singer Vi, from the “V Music” initiative, will also infuse the exhibition with fresh and youthful vocals, sparking a sonic-visual dialogue between “old lenses” and “new perspectives”. 

Dr Elita LAM, Principal of the Hong Kong Design Institute & Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Lee Wai Lee), remarked, “We are delighted to partner with Bang & Olufsen and the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers. Through engaging with industry pioneers, our students gained deep insights into photography and creative industries, exploring the delicate balance of pop culture’s heritage and innovation. This collaboration enriches their learning journey, enhances their professional skills and perspectives, laying a solid foundation for nurturing future creative leaders.”

This exhibition is not only a feast of photography, but also a collective retrospective on Hong Kong’s pop music culture. From the cinematic glow of film to the sonic waves of audio, from the lens of legends to the creativity of the new generation, it awakens a "music memory" in each of us. This is where classic meets innovation to compose a future of endless potential for Hong Kong culture.

Exhibition Details

• Dates: 3 October – 12 November 2025. Open daily from 09:00 to 19:00
• Venue: HKDI Experience Centre, Room C002, Hong Kong Design Institute 
• Admission: Free

About Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI)

Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) is a member of VTC Group. HKDI was established in 2007 with the mission to be a leading provider of design education and lifelong learning, including architecture, interior and product design, communication design, digital media, and fashion and image design. With a view to providing professional designers for the creative industries, it promotes the “think and do” approach and encourages interdisciplinary synergy in its broad range of design programmes that cultivates students’ cultural sensitivities and sense of sustainability. HKDI maintains a strong network with industry and provides its students with essential practical experience. Overseas exchanges are actively arranged for students to broaden their international perspective.   
Website: www.hkdi.edu.hk

About Bang & Olufsen

Bang & Olufsen is a luxury audio brand founded in 1925 in Struer, Denmark, by Peter Bang and Svend Olufsen whose devotion and vision remain the foundation for the company. For nearly a century, Bang & Olufsen has been pushing the boundaries of audio technology and the company continues to sit at the forefront of acoustic innovation. Today, every Bang & Olufsen product is still characterised by the unique combination of beautiful sound, timeless design, and unrivalled craftsmanship. For more information, please visit bang-olufsen.com

About Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers (HKIPP)

Founded in 1987, the Hong Kong Institute of Professional Photographers Ltd (HKIPP) is recognized as the most prestigious organization uniting top local photographers. It hosts regular events like seminars, exhibitions, and competitions to foster professional exchange and strengthen the photography industry. Since 1993, HKIPP has held biennial Awards judged by local and international experts, recognizing outstanding work and nurturing emerging talent. In 2007, it expanded its Awards to Asia with the HKIPP Asia Photo Awards, attracting thousands of entrants and regional exhibitions. HKIPP also collaborates with education institutions to pass on photography knowledge to future generations, supporting photographic industry and art’s growth.

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