In Honour

CRIS DERKSEN
1981-2026

A Juno-nominated Indigenous cellist and composer, Cris was internationally renowned for her genre-defying music that bridged the traditional and contemporary.

It is with profound, shattering sadness that we share the news of the sudden passing of our dear friend, client, and visionary artist, Cris Derksen, following a car accident on May 15th. To know Cris was to know a force of nature. She was fiercely authentic and deeply generous, and she brought an uncompromising spirit to everything she touched. Her art was a reflection of her soul: poignant, powerful, grounded in heritage, and relentlessly innovative.

We are devastated by the loss of someone who was so much more than a client—she was family. We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to her family, loved ones, the Indigenous arts community, and everyone moved by her incredible work.

In November 2025, Cris independently released her brilliant new album, The Visit, and was preparing to tour the project across Canada throughout the 2026-2027 performing arts season. We are proud to share her planned itinerary here—not only as a testament to the incredible momentum of her career, but so that the profound love, anticipation, and appreciation for her music across the country can be fully seen and recognized.

Ada Slaight Hall – Toronto, ON
Sled Island Music & Arts Festival – Calgary, AB
Westben Concerts – Campbellford, ON
POP Montreal – Montreal, QC
Tidemark Theatre – Campbell River, BC
Galiano Community Hall – Galiano Island, BC
BlueShore Financial Centre for the Performing Arts – Vancouver, BC
Guest Appearance w/ Kamloops Symphony Orchestra – Kamloops, Revelstoke & Salmon Arm, BC
Burlington Performing Arts Centre – Burlington, ON
River Run Centre – Guelph, ON
Richmond Hill Centre for the Performing Arts – Richmond Hill, ON
Shenkman Arts Centre – Ottawa, ON
Kingston Grant Theatre – Kingston, ON
FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre – St Catharines, ON
Théâtre Capitol Theatre – Moncton, NB
Imperial Theatre – Saint John, NB
The Mack – Charlottetown, PE

Thank you, Cris, for sharing your light, your fire, and your music with us. You left an indelible mark on this world, and your song will echo in our hearts forever