Originally from Auckland, Sam Piper studied composition at the School of Music at Victoria University of Wellington. He was a member of the Tower New Zealand Youth Choir between 1997 and 2001.

The Sidhe (pronounced 'Shee') are the 'little people' of Ireland. Dance of the Sidhe was written in 1992 after the composer had made a visit to that country. The music shows folk influences and subtly uses a variety of string playing techniques to good effect. The three sections are played without a break.