Mary Finsterer

REQUIEM MASS is a 50-minute sacred work inspired by the enduring tradition of the Catholic Mass. Drawing upon the timeless texts of the Requiem, it will be composed for choir and organ, continuing a lineage of music written to honour the dearly departed and elevate the soul.

Sacred music lies at the very heart of Western art music. From the solemnity of Gregorian chant to the polyphonic marvels of the Renaissance and the grandeur of the Baroque, it has shaped our musical heritage and provided a vessel for both artistic and spiritual expression. In a world increasingly detached from the sacred, the act of composing new sacred music is both a personal offering and a cultural imperative—a way to renew the living tradition of the Church through the artistry of our time.

The work builds upon the foundations of my earlier oratorio STABAT MATER which received two national awards at the 2024 Art Music Awards and was hailed as “an extraordinary work” in a 5-star review. REQUIEM MASS will continue this exploration of sacred themes, uniting centuries of liturgical tradition with present-day musical language to create a work of profound spiritual and artistic resonance.

This Requiem Mass is dedicated to Fr John O’Neill, Parish Priest of St John Vianney, Doonside—whose life of deep faith, devotion, and loving service has been an enduring inspiration.

The project is now at a critical stage of development. Funds raised will support the intensive 12 month composition process, encompassing research, writing, materials, and preparation of the final score for future performance and publication. This is an opportunity to contribute to the creation of a meaningful and enduring addition to the Church’s musical heritage.