UPEI Department of Music Contemporary Music Festival: Performance and Talk with Cris Derksen

The UPEI Department of Music is hosting its first Contemporary Music Festival, which will take place on campus from March 6–13, on the SDU Stage at Steel Recital Hall and the Performing Arts Centre Theatre.

The festival will feature UPEI Music faculty in performance as well as several guest artists, including pianist Megaria Halim, Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen, experimental jazz trio Forgalhorn, and internationally renowned French contemporary music ensemble Proxima Centauri. Performances will introduce multiple world premieres, including a commissioned work for saxophones composed by JUNO Award-nominated composer Amy Brandon. Brandon, who grew up on PEI, will give a public talk on her work; masterclasses, workshops, and talks will also be offered by Cris Derksen and members of Proxima Centauri.

On March 12, there will be a performance and talk with Cris Derksen at PAC from 1–2:30 pm, and NEW MUSIC SPOTLIGHT: Proxima Centauri in Mouvements will begin at 7:30 pm.

All-event passes, individual tickets and Saturday 2-concert passes are all available with adult, senior and student pricing. Admission is free for UPEI students. Workshops, masterclasses, talks, and the student recital are free to attend.

For details and tickets, visit upei.ca/events/2026/03/upei-contemporary-music-festival