Role

:

Composer Performer

Birth

:

1968

Period

:

Contemporary

Genre

:

Chamber

 

Gareth Farr is a renowned classical music composer from New Zealand. He was born on February 29, 1968, in Wellington, New Zealand. Farr grew up in a musical family, and his parents were both music teachers. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a classical pianist. Farr started playing the drums at the age of six and later learned to play the piano and percussion instruments. Farr attended the Victoria University of Wellington, where he studied music composition and percussion. He graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in 1991 and later completed a Master of Music degree in composition in 1993. During his studies, Farr was awarded several scholarships and awards, including the prestigious Mozart Fellowship in 1992. Farr's early compositions were influenced by his love for rock and jazz music. However, he soon developed an interest in classical music and began to incorporate elements of classical music into his compositions. His music is known for its eclectic mix of styles, including classical, jazz, rock, and world music. Farr's first major composition was his Symphony No. 1, which he composed in 1993. The symphony was premiered by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and was well-received by audiences and critics alike. The symphony was followed by several other major works, including his percussion concerto, Kembang Suling, which was premiered by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 1995. Farr's music has been performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, including the London Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and the New York Philharmonic. He has also collaborated with several renowned musicians, including the jazz pianist Mike Nock and the percussionist Evelyn Glennie. One of Farr's most famous works is his composition, From the Depths Sound the Great Sea Gongs, which was commissioned by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra in 1996. The work is inspired by the Maori legend of the creation of the world and features a large percussion section, including gongs, drums, and cymbals. The work has been performed by orchestras around the world and has become one of Farr's signature pieces. Farr's other notable works include his ballet, The Wedding, which was commissioned by the Royal New Zealand Ballet in 1999. The ballet is based on the Maori legend of Hinemoa and Tutanekai and features a mix of classical and Maori music. The ballet was a critical and commercial success and has been performed by ballet companies around the world. Farr has also composed several film scores, including the score for the New Zealand film, The Piano, which was directed by Jane Campion. The score features a mix of classical and Maori music and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Score in 1994. In addition to his work as a composer, Farr is also a percussionist and has performed with several orchestras and ensembles around the world. He has also written several books on percussion and is a sought-after teacher and lecturer. Farr has received numerous awards and honors for his work as a composer, including the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006 and the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Icon Award in 2019. He continues to compose and perform music and is considered one of New Zealand's most important and influential composers.

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