CURATOR | PRODUCER

Mary Finsterer’s compelling and visionary approach to her practice extends beyond composition into the roles of curator and producer. Across opera, orchestral works, curated concerts, and film, she has distinguished herself as a creative force capable of shaping not only the music itself, but the ecosystems in which it comes to life. Her work demonstrates a rare synthesis of artistic ambition, strategic collaboration, and deeply informed historical sensibility.

As both curator and producer, Finsterer builds bridges—between eras, institutions, genres, industries, and geographies—crafting immersive experiences that resonate far beyond the page. Notably, her curated concerts The Lost (2022) and Stabat Mater (2023), and the Sydney Festival seasons of her operas Biographica (2017) and Antarctica (2023), were all presented to sold-out audiences—testament to the powerful connection she forges between bold contemporary work and public engagement. Her co-produced, award-nominated film score for South Solitary (2010) further reflects her breadth, demonstrating her ability to lead complex creative processes across mediums.

CURATOR

Stabat Mater (2023) – oratorio

In September 2023, as Composer in Residence with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Mary Finsterer curated and composed the sold-out concert Stabat Mater at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne. This profound program, spanning over eight centuries of sacred music, culminated in the world premiere of her symphonic setting of the 13th-century Marian hymn. Preceded by her work Ad Honorem Beatæ Mariæ Virginis—which included ancient prayers and Psalm 82 with a pre-recorded narration by Mel Gibson—the program drew together history and modernity in a compelling act of musical storytelling. The performance, met with a spontaneous standing ovation, reaffirmed Finsterer’s reputation as a leading figure in contemporary sacred music, with a curatorial voice that is both erudite and emotionally resonant. Stabat Mater went on to receive two Art Music Awards in 2024, recognising both the depth of its compositional achievement and the impact of its visionary presentation.

The Lost (2022) – double concerto

In April 2022, Mary Finsterer curated and composed Metropolis: The Lost for the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, presented to a sold-out audience at St Paul’s Cathedral in Melbourne. Showcasing her exceptional curatorial sensibility, she brought together a programme that spanned centuries—juxtaposing works by Hildegard von Bingen, Giulio Caccini, and Arvo Pärt with her own double concerto for solo viola and cello with full orchestra, Missed Tales III – The Lost. Inspired by ancient Celtic rituals and themes of memory and transformation, the concert offered an immersive sonic journey that seamlessly bridged the medieval and the contemporary. It was a powerful demonstration of her ability to craft rich musical narratives through careful programming and bold artistic vision.

PRODUCER

Antarctica (2022) – opera

Mary Finsterer’s second opera, Antarctica, stands as a testament to her exceptional skill in merging daring artistry with global teamwork. She brought together Sydney Chamber Opera and the renowned Dutch ensemble Asko|Schönberg, culminating in a landmark world premiere at the 2022 Holland Festival—Sydney Chamber Opera’s first-ever international presentation. She also brought the academic sector into the fold, with the University of Tasmania joining as a project partner, reinforcing the opera’s intellectual and cultural depth. The production later journeyed to Australia for its Sydney Festival debut in 2023, showcasing the enduring power of the cross-continental and cross-sector collaboration she set in motion. Finsterer’s involvement went far beyond composing the score; she was the driving force behind the project’s creative and institutional design, ensuring Antarctica resonated across cultural and disciplinary boundaries. In doing so, she continued to redefine what it means to be a composer-producer in the twenty-first century—someone who not only crafts the music, but charts its course into the world.

Biographica (2017) – opera

With Biographica, her debut opera, Mary Finsterer demonstrated a rare ability to bring people and institutions together to realise bold artistic vision. Recognising the potential of the work, she initiated and led a landmark collaboration between Sydney Chamber Opera and Sydney Festival—culminating in Biographica becoming the first opera ever presented at the Festival in 2017. Finsterer’s approach marked a new model for operatic production: composer-driven, strategically collaborative, and designed to bridge the worlds of contemporary music and major arts festivals. A key innovation of the work—the seamless integration of spoken with sung text—proved a masterstroke in attracting both theatre-going audiences and music lovers alike, expanding the opera’s reach and resonance. By taking the lead in shaping both the creative and institutional framework of the project, Finsterer redefined the role of the composer as an active producer—building bespoke partnerships, broadening audiences, and championing new Australian opera on a national stage. The production was met with critical acclaim and won the 2018 Art Music Award for Vocal/Choral Work of the Year, further affirming its significance within Australia’s cultural landscape.

South Solitary (2010) – film score

Mary Finsterer’s work on the 2010 feature film South Solitary exemplifies her multifaceted artistry—not only as Composer of its poignant and atmospheric score, but as Music Co-producer and Music Director, overseeing every stage of its realisation. From managing creative teams and performance materials to supervising recording sessions, editing, and mastering, she ensured the music’s seamless integration with the film’s emotional and visual landscape. As producer of the music, she also oversaw its release on ABC Classics | Universal, extending the life of the score beyond the screen. The soundtrack was recognised for its artistic merit with a nomination for Best Original Score by the Film Critics Circle of Australia in 2011. This role highlights Finsterer’s ability to lead across both creative and technical domains, bringing precision, vision, and emotional depth to storytelling through sound.