Farr's Te Papa is a recognition of the similarities and differences of all the cultures of New Zealand. A musical analogy to the composer's ideal that cultures can co-exist without overshadowing or changing one another, Farr weaves together the symphony orchestra, Maori chant, operatic voice and percussion to create music with a powerful and moving impact.
Gareth Farr is an indisputably colourful figure in New Zealand music. And whether scored for percussion duet or the resources of two large orchestras, Farr's music reflects his personality – bold, brash, or delicate and sensuous, but inevitably, immediately, engaging. Rhythmic elements of his compositions can be linked to the complex and exciting rhythms of Rarotongan log drum ensembles, Balinese gamelan and other percussion music of the Pacific Rim. In addition to his music for the concert chamber, Farr has written music for dance, theatre and television.
