biography
Mary Finsterer is recognised as one of Australia’s most original composers. Having received considerable international recognition, her musical style ‘ brims with energy, invention and much aural imagination.’ review by Hubert Culot.
After completing her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Melbourne in 1987, Finsterer studied with Louis Andriessen in 1993. She then completed a Master of Music degree at the University of Melbourne in 1995, and by a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2003. Finsterer has received many national and international awards in the USA, Canada, Britain and throughout Europe, including representing Australia in five ISCM World Music Day Festivals. Her concert work has been performed by acclaimed ensembles the world over.
Her award–winning orchestral music spanning more than 10 years from 1991 to 2002 can be heard on the double–disc compilation entitled CATCH, on the ABC Classics label.
In the last few years Finsterer has become increasingly involved in film, composing written scores and electro–acoustic soundscapes. In 2006 she received a Churchill Fellowship for her continuing work in the film industry. More recently Finsterer received the prestigious Paul Lowin Orchestra Prize in 2009 for her work inspired by Jorge Luis Borges, IN PRAISE OF DARKNESS.
Finsterer now divides her time between compositions for the concert stage and the world of film music. SOUTH SOLITARY, written and directed by Shirley Barrett, is Finsterer’s first feature film, the music of which has been released on the CD label, ABC Classics.
Read Mary’s longer biography