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.

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.

Artist

Danaë Killian piano

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