Talks with composer inspire students

CHAT: Vaunted New Zealand composer and percussionist Gareth Farr Skypes with the Year 11 and 12 music students at Makoura College.PHOTO/SUPPLIED

Students at Makoura College have had their passion for music redoubled during an online video chat with renowned Kiwi composer Gareth Farr.

Music teacher Suzy Baker said a class of Year 11 and 12 music students were introduced over Skype to Farr, one of the top classic composers in New Zealand that the class had been studying since late in term 3. Farr has compiled a discography of classical album releases and composed a number of works performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO) and Royal New Zealand Ballet.

He has also performed in drag under the name Lilith LaCroix in a show called Drumdrag and released a CD under that name.

Ms Baker said Farr had related the start of his "musical journey" at Auckland Metropolitan College alongside award-winning singer-songwriter Don McGlashan of Blam Blam Blam and The Muttonbirds.

"Gareth has a huge personality and so much passion for music. With not a lot written about his early years, we had questions about his schooling, instruments he has learnt, the inspiration for his music, and why he became a composer."

His musical alter ego, Lilith LaCroix, does not often take the stage anymore despite decades of performances, the class was told, due to "all the work" in getting prepared for the act.

"A highlight of the year, the experience has left the class feeling inspired and even more interested in the classical realm," Ms Baker said.

"Gareth's vivacious spirit is evident in his mesmorising music. Imagine the questions we'd have for Mozart if Skype was around 300 years ago."