AI Mozart: A 23rd Century Concert

If you have been keeping an eye on the Brighton Fringe programme for this year, you might have noticed a rather unusual recital scheduled for May 16th. It is called AI Mozart: A 23rd Century Concert, and it is taking place at St Paul's Church from 18:00 to 19:00. The premise is straightforward: it is a live piano performance where every single piece of music has been composed by artificial intelligence rather than a human.

The concert features the pianist Matthew Shiel, who is performing this eclectic mix of styles. It is an interesting concept because the programme is quite varied, moving from classical compositions that mimic the styles of Beethoven and Brahms, all the way to more unexpected genres like boogie-woogie, Latin salsa, and even something described as 'Viking progressive death polka'. The project itself was commissioned by the Web Science Institute, led by Dame Wendy Hall, which gives a bit of context as to why this specific experiment is happening.

Regarding the logistics, the event is open to everyone, with a recommended age of 3+ years, making it accessible if you are looking for something a bit different to do on a Saturday evening. Since it is part of the Brighton Fringe, ticket prices vary depending on where you book and what category you choose. You will find standard tickets listed around 11 GBP, though some platforms show prices up to 19 GBP for standard entry or 14 GBP for concessions, and others list a wider range up to 27 GBP. It is worth checking the specific booking platform you prefer to see which price tier applies to your situation.

It is a short, hour-long set, which makes it a manageable addition to a weekend plan if you are curious about how technology is currently being applied to musical composition. Whether you are a fan of classical piano or just interested in the intersection of tech and art, it offers a chance to hear these AI-generated pieces performed live in the setting of St Paul's Church.