Join internationally celebrated Indigenous cellist and composer Cris Derksen for a compelling conversation prior to the world premiere performance of her new work commissioned for Newport Classical First Light. Moderated by Charles Roberts, Executive Director of the RI Slave Medallions, and joined by Dancing Star Tracy Brown of the Pokanoket Nation, Derksen will share her creative vision and historical research. The powerful new work that reimagines the story of John Anthony, a young boy of Indigenous and African descent who escaped bondage in 18th-century Rhode Island. The piece is commissioned as part of Newport Classical’s Annual Commissioning Initiative and will be performed at The Breakers later that evening. This discussion will explore themes of identity and resilience, as well as Derksen’s artistic process and her commitment to telling Indigenous stories through music.
