Telling the story of wildfires at the Calgary Philharmonic

Photo of Indigenous Cellist Cris Derksen / Photo source Calgary Philharmonic's website

Mixing Western and Indigenous musical culture together, Indigenous Cellist Cris Derksen will be taking audiences on a journey of understanding of traditional practices.

The theme of Controlled Burn is showing how Indigenous people in Canada have used fire as a tool to manage the threat of wildfires.

Because of fire is used to bring destruction while also bringing new life to forests, the Philharmonic will be preforming a classical piece by Josef Suk titled Asrael which explores over coming the lose of a loved one.

Nefew Keith spoke with Derksen about her piece Controlled Burn and how the collaboration with the Philharmonic came together.

The show will be taking place on March 15 at the Jack Singer Concert Hall in Calgary with tickets available on the Calgary Philharmonic’s website.