Award-winning composer and cellist Cris Derksen has died at the age of 45.
According to social media posts from friends and colleagues on Saturday night, the two-time Juno Award nominee from Tallcree First Nation in northern Alberta died in a car crash after attending the funeral of their father, former community chief Bernie Meneen.
“My extraordinary, gifted, radiant, cherished niece Cris may have left us prematurely, but her profound legacy and enchanting music will perpetually uplift me,” their aunt Theresa Johnson shared in part on social media. “Though my heart is heavy with sorrow, I will endeavor to continue honoring her life and legacy.”
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A beloved Manitoba collaborator and performer
Derksen’s collaborations spanned across the country and earned them acclaim for works like. In 2024, Derksen completed their first ballet project for the Royal Winnipeg Ballet alongside choreographer Cameron Fraser-Monroe, T’əl: The Wild Man of the Woods, and also had their “Overture to the Spiderbeing” shared in the RWB’s The Four Seasons & Other Works at the end of this past month.
Derksen has also frequently performed with the Manitoba Chamber Orchestra, most recently in a concert titled Awasowin in May of 2025. They also recently shared a new record called The Visit this past October. The composer recently premiered a work called Still Here with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.
The Visit by cris derksen
“Cris was wise, caring, funny and immensely gifted. I am thankful for the many beautiful memories and the music she shared,” said pianist and composer Beverley McKiver. “I am so sad for her family and friends. May we continue to carry on her legacy.”
Derksen is survived by their wife, Rebecca, who is in critical condition on Saturday night.
This story will be updated as more details become available.