New Chair a gift to musical composition
Professor Mary Finsterer Photo: Dean Golja
Internationally renowned orchestral composer and Vice-Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow, Professor Mary Finsterer has been announced new Chair of Composition at the University’s Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music.
The Chamber Music Australia Chair of Composition, established through a gift from Australian barrister, human rights advocate, and author Mr Julian Burnside AO QC, will encourage talented young composers within the school, and develop new Australian music as well as Australian performance.
Professor Finsterer has worked in the music industry for more than 30 years, winning many international awards during that time.
Head of the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, Associate Professor Rob Burke said Professor Finsterer's experience in music and composition is diverse, ranging from concert music to scores for narrative feature film.
“We are delighted that through Mr Burnside’s support, our talented young composers will work with Mary to develop new and vibrant Australian music and performance,” Associate Professor Burke said.
Professor Finsterer said it was an honour to be offered the prestigious position.
“The Chamber Music Australia Chair of Composition gives status and kudos to the role that Australian classical music plays in defining our cultural identity,” Professor Finsterer said.
“The generous gift that Mr Burnside has given to the University provides me with the opportunity to work both in a teaching capacity and in creative research. Through this I am able to contribute to the vibrant community at Monash and the rich cultural legacy we have in Australia both on a national and international level."
Associate Professor Burke said the gift would strengthen the School’s focus on new Australian composition and performance, and put the University in a unique position among music schools in Australia.
“Our vision is to develop the complete 21st century musician by encouraging students to investigate music through both traditional and new technologies as well as in a range of styles, periods and genres,” Associate Professor Burke said.
Professor Finsterer will take up her new role in January 2015.
“Through the Chamber Music Australia Chair of Composition we will do more than just support individual students in their careers, we will fulfil our aim to support and promote Australian composition and performance.”