PEI Symphony Orchestra Presents ‘Reclaimed’
PEI Symphony Orchestra Presents ‘Reclaimed’ — Featuring Juno-nominated Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen
CHARLOTTETOWN, PE — February 12, 2026 — The PEI Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) presents ‘Reclaimed,’ the third concert of its 2025–26 Island Series, on Sunday, March 15, 2026 at 2:30 PM at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. The concert features acclaimed Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen, whose genre-defying work bridges classical music, Indigenous traditions, and contemporary sound worlds.
‘Reclaimed’ explores themes of home, identity, and resilience—asking what happens when home is lost, and what it means to reclaim it. The program brings together works that confront displacement, cultural erasure, and renewal, framed within the broader context of place and community on Mi’kmaq territory.
“’Reclaimed’ is a program about belonging,” says PEISO Music Director Jaelem Bhate. “Cris Derksen’s music speaks directly to the power of community and ceremony, and to the idea that music can hold grief, hope, and healing all at once. Presenting this work here, in Charlottetown, carries deep meaning.”
Cris Derksen is internationally recognized for their bold, interdisciplinary practice, which combines cello, electronics, and Indigenous musical forms. Their work has been presented across Canada and internationally, and they are widely respected for their advocacy, storytelling, and community-centred artistic approach.
The concert program includes several of Derksen’s own works, including Round Dance, Parkdale, and Controlled Burn, performed with the PEISO. The orchestra is honoured to collaborate with the Mi’kmaq community from Lennox Island during Round Dance, bringing the work’s communal roots to life on the Confederation Centre stage.
Also featured on the program is Hope by Australian composer Nat Bartsch, a meditative work that creates space for reflection and collective listening. Margaret Bonds’ Montgomery Variations responds musically to the American civil rights movement, while Bedřich Smetana’s Má Vlast (The Moldau) reflects on national identity and the deep emotional ties to homeland.
As part of Derksen’s visit to Prince Edward Island, the PEISO is also partnering with community organizations to support a short artist residency, including outreach activities with Mi’kmaq communities, solo performances in Charlottetown and Lennox Island, and a guest presentation during the Contemporary Music Festival, hosted by the UPEI Department of Music.
‘Reclaimed’ is part of the PEISO’s 2025–26 season, Nouveau, inspired by the Art Nouveau movement’s vision of beauty, purpose, and transformation through art. The season concludes on April 12th with Blue—a season finale infused with jazz, gospel, and 20th-century cosmopolitan flair, with acclaimed PEI pianist Magdalena von Eccher as guest soloist.
New Youth Pricing Introduced: Students (30 & under) $32, Children (12 & under) $12 – All fees included
In an effort to make live orchestral music more accessible to younger audiences, the PEISO is pleased to introduce new single ticket pricing for students and children. Students aged 30 and under can now purchase tickets for just $32, and children 12 and under can attend for $12—both prices include all taxes and fees. This is a great opportunity for families and young music lovers to experience the power of a full symphony orchestra live in concert.
Tickets are available through the Confederation Centre Box Office. Visit www.confederationcentre.com or call 1-902-566-1267 / 1- 800-565-0278. For more information about the 2025-26 season visit the PEISO website at www.peisymphony.com.
BACKGROUND
The Prince Edward Island Symphony Orchestra (PEISO) is one of PEI’s most respected performing arts organizations, providing Islanders with vibrant live orchestral experiences including classical, cross- genres, family and chamber-music concerts. Currently entering its 58th season, the PEISO is a proud member of the community and enriches the region through dynamic performances, comprehensive educational activities and impactful community relationships.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Laura Ono
PEI Symphony Orchestra (902) 892-4333
admin@peisymphony.com www.peisymphony.com
