Gifted Cree cellist Cris Derksen blazed her own path to Carnegie Hall
Cris Derksen, a gifted Cree cellist, tragically passed away in a car accident at the age of 45. Known for her unique style that blended traditional and electronic music, she made significant contributions to the Indigenous music scene. Her collaborations and performances left a lasting impact on both classical and Indigenous arts communities across Canada.
- ▪Cris Derksen was involved in a head-on collision on Highway 44 while traveling from her father's funeral.
- ▪She introduced electronic cello music to the Indigenous music scene, using looping pedals to create unique sounds.
- ▪Derksen was known for her unconventional style, often performing in casual attire and barefoot.
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Open this photo in gallery:Cris Derksen introduced electronic cello music to the Indigenous music scene.Nadya Kwandibens/SuppliedShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountWhen cellist Cris Derksen walked onto a stage, she was not what symphony-goers expected. She was unassuming and didn’t fit into the norms of the classical music world. Many times she appeared as a soloist in an oversized hoodie, gold leather pants, and a trucker hat with slogans like “Deadly Enough” or “Neechi” (the Cree word for friend). Her feet were tucked inside beaded moccasins as she strode across the stage in front of violinists and other members of the orchestra but then she would slip off her moccasins and play barefoot.
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