Music As Medicine: Edward Chilvers - 'Simplexity'

Music As Medicine is excited to welcome back ground-breaking polyrhythmic pianist and composer Edward Chilvers for his first visit to Manchester since 2020.  

He will share new compositions & improvisations in what will be the fourth in a series of unique concerts in collaboration with the MAM collective since 2018, all of which have been hosted at The Anthony Burgess Foundation.

Edward’s work with polyrhythms and modes breaks into new uncharted territories; expect to hear beautiful pieces of music that morph and mutate, emerging from unique improvisations in the moment. Each concert becomes an unforgettable live experience, never to be repeated in the same way again. 

Chilvers is a visionary pianist on a mission to facilitate a transcendental experience through his music. He will be sharing brand new music from a forthcoming album exploring a theme he calls ‘Simplexity’. 

“the idea is that each track is simple in one respect and complex in another. Like a tree (my main inspiration), like ocean waves, like clouds, like stars, like emotions… One track for example has very simple patterns like oscillating notes, and descending scale shapes, but set at four tempos so they create a complex texture out of simple shapes.” 

A Young Steinway artist who began playing at the age of 4, Edward draws inspiration from a myriad of influences; from Bach, Wagner and Beethoven through to Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, Radiohead and Meshuggah. However the Bwiti music of Gabon, West Africa, with its’ incessant, intense use of polyrhythm via harp, voice and drums influenced Chilvers to seek to stretch the capacity of what is humanly possible to play on the piano. 

Having graced stages across the world, from London, Berlin, India, Rio de Janeiro & New York, Edward’s improvisations showcase a profound connection with his instrument and an innate understanding of the language of music, where intuition meets virtuosity. With an illustrious career spanning decades, Edward's unparalleled expertise & skills in polyrhythmic piano is pioneering a new genre. 

“Music should improve the mind & consciousness of the recipient. It should liberate, bring one into the present moment, satisfy our thirst for depth & meaning. It should inspire one to be greater.” Edward Chilvers 

"Passionate... Fascinating resonances abound… Undeniably intriguing & involving." ★★★★★ “

All [12 Etudes] are superbly played by the composer. An important release.” ★★★★★ International Piano Magazine

THE VENUE:
The Anthony Burgess Foundation is an independent educational charity that encourages interest into all aspects of the life and work of the Manchester born author and composer. 

Chilvers will be performing on Anthony Burgess's own Bosendorfer piano.

DATE: 10th October 2025
Doors: 7pm START
VENUE: Anthony Burgess Foundation
TICKETS: 
Early Bird - £14 + BF 
Advance - £16 + BF

More on the door 

website: https://www.edwardchilvers.com...