Cris Derksen

Cris Derksen is a young half-Cree classically trained Canadian cellist whose captivating melodies and steadfast baselines have captured the attention of local and international audiences. She is a diverse musician, easily melding into hip-hop, rock, folk, country, or whatever type of music to bring an intense ball of musical passion to her work.

Using a loop station and effect pedals, she is able to create an inspiring multi-dimensional auditory experience that is uncharted for most classical players. Using sounds from her inherited past Cris mixes the traditional with the contemporary over and over again in both the cultural world as well as the music sphere.

Although Cris is an emerging artist, she has built up a strong resume performing at festivals such as Riddu Riddu in Norway, WOMEX (World Music Expo) in Sevilla, Spain, The Respect Festival and Colors of Ostrava in the Czech Republic. SXSW (South by Southwest), The Vancouver Folk Music Festival, Dawson City Music Festival, Edmonton Folk Music Festival, Brandon Folk Music Festival, APCMA (Aboriginal Peoples' Choice Music Awards), CAMAs (Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards) as a solo artist and with Inuit Throat Singer Tanya Tagaq. APTN (Aboriginal Peoples Television Network) has recognized Cris as one of 2009 Rising Stars. As a Composer Cris has composed for Karen Jamieson Dance, the Tomorrow Collective and Aerial Firedance Troupe; Firebelly Productions. She has also performed with international hip-hop artist Kayne West at GM place in Vancouver.

As a session musician her diversity continues as she has built up a strong resume recording with Tanya Tagaq on her Album Auk, the album earned two Juno nominations for Best Aboriginal Album and Best Instrumental Album. She has also worked with Rae Spoon, The Switfys, Kinnie Starr, Lightening Dust (Members of Black Mountain), Ladyhawk, Bison, E.S.L, Girl Nobody, Fan Death, Leela Gilday and Jason Burnstick, as well as working with Native composer Russell Wallace.

Cris obtained a Bachelor of Music in Cello Performance at UBC and shared the Principle Cellist of the UBC Symphony Orchestra title.