Originally commissioned by the University of Waikato in celebration of the opening of the WEL Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts, in its first incarnation the Triple Concerto was a single-movement work of "overture" scope and duration. It was composed for the Turnovsky Trio, who were to be Artists-in-Residence at the Academy.
In 2005, Farr received a commission from the New Zealand Trio to expand the concerto into a full-length work.
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.
