'A powerful and unmistakable voice': Cellist Cris Derksen remembered
Condolences poured in from across Canada for Cris Derksen, a renowned Cree cellist and composer, who died on May 15 in a car crash in northern Alberta on the way home from their father's funeral. The two-spirit artist, originally from Tallcree First Nation, was 45 years old. "Cris brought a powerful and unmistakable voice to contemporary music," the National Arts Centre posted. "Their work resonated across the country and around the world."
Derksen was drawn to music at a young age, playing piano and then cello with the Edmonton Public Strings Program at age 10 before attending Victoria School of the Arts as a teen. They went on to attend the University of British Columbia, where they were principal cellist with the UBC Symphony Orchestra. Audiences were treated to unique compositions blending classical melodies, powwow drums and chants, and contemporary electronica.
The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra re-shared Derksen's 2023 performance of their composition War Cry, which included vocals by their wife, Rebecca Benson. Benson was critically injured in the crash. Derksen's work "carried strength, emotion, and connection, leaving a lasting impact on audiences, musicians, and communities across the country," the ESO posted, adding that their "voice and music will continue to resonate far beyond the stage."
