This ‘Concerto for Percussion and Orchestra’ dates from 2004 and was commissioned from Gareth Farr (b 1968) to mark the centenary of the Wellington Town Hall. Farr typically showcases the sonic capabilities and timbres of percussion instruments including those from Pacific Rim countries such as Japanese taiko drums and Rarotongan log drums. The Concerto features strong dynamic contrasts: brass and timpani at the loudest end of the spectrum and celesta and marimbas at the quietest. The finale section sees all the orchestral players and solo percussionists in full flight, and the concerto ends in a great wave of energy and verve.
