Pianist Chris Miggells, of Boughton, to perform third sold-out concert at Sherwood Observatory

A Nottinghamshire-born composer has become known as the ‘Banksy of the piano world’ and has now united the arts and science.

Chris Miggells, of Boughton, is to perform his third consecutive sold-out concert at the Sherwood Observatory today (April 14).

The rising musical star’s ground-breaking concert at the newly built £6.8 million planetarium will see his original piano compositions combined with incredible projections of the known universe.

The Piano Experience had enjoyed two previous sell-out dates at the world-class observatory, on March 31 and April 7.

Chris said: “I’m kind of getting known as Banksy of the piano world — I keep showing up in strange and unique places to bring my music and piano to people who might not otherwise experience it. That’s why its called The Piano Experience.

“I’m just a simple guy from a small village myself, big concert halls can be intimidating for people. These concerts bring so many people together and it’s amazing to do that with music — with this you get the stargazing community, you bring together all kinds of people to create a weird and wonderful audience.”

He’s previously performed at the historic Clipstone Headstocks site, and in Southwell Minster.

Chris promises to bring his critically acclaimed album, Synesthese, to life at the observatory with inspiring storytelling, cinematic music, and visuals from the cosmos.

“Performing in there is radical,” Chris added.

“I take my grand piano with me, and its by candlelight — so you’ve got 1,000 candles around a grand piano, floating through space. You’re mixing history with the most modern scientific development. It’s such a strange thing to behold, but wow is it unique.”

While building his career as a composer and pianist from the ground up hasn’t been without struggle for Chris, he’s now reaping the rewards with exceptional demand for tickets and interest from as far away as the US and Dubai.

While this series of concerts has sold out, further dates are expected be announced later this year.

“It’s a crazy whirlwind for a composer from just down the road,” he added.

“It’s going crazy. But performing in Nottinghamshire is so important to me, it’s my home. It’s had some bad press but I want to say ‘we can do better than this’, to bring people together.

“I go round some of the schools too.

“Music was the thing that saved my soul, it’s so easy to fall in with the wrong crowds and go around smashing windows and stuff — but music gave me something to focus on, to put my energy into, and to keep me out of mischief.”