Debut Atlantic

Congratulations to these fantastic nominees!

A devastating loss. Cris Derksen was a powerful artistic voice whose impact on contemporary music and the Indigenous arts community will be felt for generations.

On behalf of the CMC team, I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic passing of Cris Derksen yesterday in a car accident that has also left her wife Bobby in critical condition. We hope for Bobby’s safe recovery. My heart goes out to Cris’ family, friends and all those who worked with her.

I want to acknowledge the tremendous impact Cris has on contemporary music, through her compositions and performances. She was a composer, a cellist, a mentor, a collaborator and a strong voice from the Indigenous classical community… inspiring and so much more. It felt like her career was soaring with varying opportunities, such as a performance at Carnegie Hall of her work “Controlled Burn” performed by l’Orchestre Métropolitan de Montréal.

Soar onwards, Cris!

To learn more about Cris https://www.crisderksen.com

Les Barocudas, our September 2026 touring artists, are performing in Wolfville with Acadia Performing Arts Series on September 19! We can't wait!