Profile

Farr was born in Wellington. He began his studies at Auckland University in composition, orchestration and electronic music. While studying there, he performed as a member of the Auckland Philharmonia and the Karlheinz Company. Farr was always available as a performer to play new works by other composers. Returning to Wellington in 1988 for further study at Victoria University, he gained note for his compositions; at this time becoming increasingly exciting with him exploring the Indonesian gamelan. He played percussion frequently with the NZSO before going to the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, New York for advanced study.

Gareth Farr also has a performance alter ego as Lilith LaCroix in cabaret shows. The cabaret Drumdrag features Lilith playing the drums and Farr has recorded a CD released under her name. LaCroix also made a music video to promote the album.

Farr promotes himself as an entertainer as well as a composer. “I would, perhaps, be criticised for being too entertaining by some composers, but I don’t know what’s wrong with that because that is why I write music—I’m an entertainer. That’s a dirty word in the classical department, but I don’t care. I’ve even got it on my business card—composer/entertainer—because, hey, let’s face it, that’s what I do.” The Press (2005)

• Works performed (5)
• Commissions (2)
• Media On Demand (1)