Forest Collective: My Heart by Danaë Killian
An expressionist solo piano adventure.
‘Nights I wander the world’s city streets, looking for you and talking to you, my heart.’ – Danaë Killian
Forest Collective’s star pianist Danaë Killian (The Minotaur, Labyrinth) returns solo to Midsumma 2026 in a thrillingly intimate performance celebrating the launch of her latest album, My Heart (Move Records). Inspired by German-Jewish Expressionist poet Else Lasker-Schüler’s novel ‘Mein Herz,’ Danaë’s piano performance flies on a magic carpet of spoken-word improvisatory poetic threads, which existentially obfuscate the boundaries between Danaë and Else, as both their hearts break. Music by Danaë’s real-life composer friends wraps around these shattered hearts like an exquisitely unction-soaked, colourful bandage.
Music by Evan J Lawson, Arnold Schoenberg, Howard Dillon, Christine McCombe, Amelia Barden, Colin McKellar, Gregers Brinch, and Danaë Killian. Words by Danaë Killian and Else Lasker-Schüler.
This performance takes place on Else Lasker-Schüler’s death day and Danaë Killian’s birthday.
Praise for Danaë Killian: ‘Utterly mesmerising’ – Australian Arts Review; ‘One of Naarm-Melbourne’s piano treasures’ – ClassikON
‘Das Anschlagswunder’ – Aargauer Zeitung
This concert is part of Midsumma Festival.
Program
Danaë Killian My Prussian Blue Heart for pianist, tarot cards, and piano (2017, rev. 2024), movement 1
Arnold Schoenberg Drei Klavierstücke, Op.11 (1909)
Howard Dillon Möbius for solo piano (2012)
Christine McCombe Asphyxed (1991)
Danaë Killian My Prussian Blue Heart, movement 2
Amelia Barden The Seventh Centre (1992)
Colin McKellar Birth Music (2006)
Gregers Brinch Two Minds, Op.73 (2004)
Evan J Lawson Sikinnis III (2015)
Danaë Killian My Prussian Blue Heart, movement 3
Thursday 22 January 2026 – 7:30pm
Duration: 1 hour 30 mins (no interval). Please note, running times are approximate and subject to change.
Tickets: Standard $55 ($45 Concession)
Please note, seating in the Primrose Potter Salon is General Admission.
A Transaction Fee between $4 and $8.50 applies to orders made online and by phone. Delivery Fees may also apply. A ticket limit of six is in place online to ensure fair ticket access for all. Want to bring a bigger party? Call our Box Office during business hours on (03) 9699 3333 to book.