MusCan is saddened to learn of the tragic passing of composer and cellist Cris Derksen at the age of 45.
Derksen has been described as an “unmistakable voice,” “a powerful advocate for Indigenous artists in classical music,” and “a pillar of our Indigenous classical community” in an outpouring of tributes from musicians and arts institutions. Her work has been performed across Canada and internationally, including recent performances by Ballet Kelowna, the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
For more about the life and work of Cris Derksen, we invite you to read this obituary by Janet Smith for Stir.