In a world of constant notifications and endless scrolling, The Lost Art of Listening created and composed by Hilary Kleinig, brings people together with their phones to play in a shared sonic experience that explores listening and its place in human existence, framed by a stillness that is rare today.
Featuring cult pianist Erik Griswold, this performance for prepared piano and smartphone choir, combines field recordings, vintage synths, and the sound of the elements, creating vibrations that travel through your body and swirl through space.
Described by audiences as “transformative and transportive” and “immersive and meditative”, Hilary Kleinig’s The Lost Art of Listening, highlights the need for deep listening to each other and the world around us.
This project began life at Adhocracy 2016, and after 10 years of research and creative development, Vitalstatistix is excited to be presenting its world premiere as part of the 2026 Illuminate Festival.
About the Artist
Hilary Kleinig
Hilary Kleinig is an Tarntanya/Adelaide-based multidisciplinary musician – cellist, composer and educator. Imbued with a sense of wonder and curiosity, her artistic practice centres on care, collaboration and connection, of and with people, place and planet.
Hilary enjoys playing cello in live and recorded performance, working as a freelance musician for leading ensembles, orchestras and contemporary music & jazz artists. For over 20 years Hilary was cellist with and Artistic Director of Zephyr Quartet – ‘Arguably Australia’s most lateral thinking and inventive ensemble’ (Music Australia) – an awardwinning, bold and adventurous string quartet, delighting in the exploration of diverse music and forging dynamic collaborations.
She is Co-Director of and a Teaching Artist for Connecting the Dots in Music, an innovative organisation which utilises the power of music to connect arts, health, government sectors in creating community-led projects for positive social impact.
Supporters
The Lost Art of Listening is supported by Illuminate Adelaide.
