Mary Finsterer is recognised as one of Australia's most original composers. Having completed her Bachelor of Music degree at the University of Melbourne in 1987, she traveled to Amsterdam to study with Louis Andriessen in 1993 as recipient of the Royal Netherlands Government Award. She then completed a Master of Music degree with Prof. Brenton Broadstock at the University of Melbourne in 1995, and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in 2003. (Source: Australian Music Centre website)