Gareth Farr

The abstract summarizes a comprehensive profile of Gareth Farr, recorded in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand, during an interview with Gareth Watkins. The conversation centers around Farr's experiences and creative work from the 1980s to the 2010s, with particular attention to a significant period marked by the 30th anniversary of homosexual law reform in New Zealand.

In 2016, Farr composed "During These Days," a musical piece in commemoration of the anniversary. This work represented Farr's first foray into overtly political and gay-themed compositions, diverging from Farr's usual approach to music for its own sake. The piece showcased two contrasting poems translated into music; one listed various terms, both supportive and derogatory, used to refer to gay men and women, while the other was a more lyrical and romantic interpretation. The work facilitated a deep engagement with the choir, addressing both joy and hardship inherent in the gay community's struggle for recognition.

The interview also touches on Farr's personal relationships with musical texts, balancing an emotional connection with a rigorous compositional methodology. Farr emphasizes the importance of capturing the inherent rhythm of the words while also connecting with their deeper meanings, acknowledging the significance of both the celebration of gains and the recognition of harsh past realities.

Moreover, the conversation delves into Farr's personal life and development as a gay individual in New Zealand. Farr recalls the personal transition and broader societal shifts during the 1980s, highlighting a relatively seamless experience, even amidst the intense activism and political debates of the time. Specifically, the decriminalization of homosexuality in New Zealand and the subsequent pardons for historical convictions occurred during a critical phase of self-actualization for Farr, who expresses relief and amusement at the changing legal landscape.

Farr candidly recounts experiences of acceptance and bullying, particularly during intermediate school. The interview reveals how Farr's confidence as a performer was shaped by early experiences of gender non-conformity, leading to an eventual embrace of drag performance as another aspect of a multidimensional artistic life. Drag, notably through the persona of Lilith LaCroix, became an integral part of Farr's expression and reflection on identity, transcending to a stage persona born out of Farr's experiences studying in the United States and delighting in the vibrant drag community.

Lastly, the dialogue engages with Farr's anticipation of a milestone birthday and how that intersects with creative and personal reflections on a life lived authentically in multiple intersecting worlds of classical composition and drag performance.

This summary is created using Generative AI. Although it is based on the recording's transcription, it may contain errors or omissions. Click here to learn more about how this summary was created.

Gareth Farr

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