Robertson’s Andrew Ford and Mary Finsterer, of Bowral, both received honours at the 2014 Art Music Awards.

Mr Ford won the Work of the Year Vocal/Choral award for his composition, Last Words.

Professor Finsterer took home the Work of the Year: Instrumental honour for Aerea.

Both local composers were finalists in two of the Work of the Year categories.

Professor Finsterer said it was a thrill for two composers to win from the Highlands.

“It’s incredible for such a small place,” she said.

Hosted by APRA AMCOS and the Australian Music Centre, the ceremony was held in the Plaza Ballroom of Melbourne’s Regent Theatre last Tuesday.

Mr Ford said the annual awards recognised classical, jazz and experimental music.

“They lump it together as ‘art music’… but it distinguishes us composers from people in the commercial area,” he said.

Last Words was composed for soprano, violin, cello and piano.

The piece features text by a broad range of sources, including author Tim Winton.

Mr Ford said there was no cash prize for an Art Music Award, but he had a “warm inner glow”.

“More importantly, you get encouragement and that’s hugely important to any creative artist,” he said.

Professor Finsterer is the Chamber Music Australia Chair of Composition at the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, Monash University.

Her instrumental piece, Aerea, was composed for the Monash Art Ensemble.

She said the ensemble boasted staff and students who came from a broad range of musical backgrounds, which included jazz and classical.

Professor Finsterer said it was a “humbling experience” to win an Art Music Award.

“The competition is formidable, so one can never take these awards for granted,” she said.

“It’s phenomenal, a huge acknowledgement… it’s a touching honour.”