Hans Finatzer, a South Tyrolean composer and musician, was born in 1973 in Bozen. He attended Bozen Conservatory, graduating in 1995, followed by further studies in Munich and Bamberg.
In 2010, Finatzer became director of the St. Pauls Concert Band and made his debut with his concert march „Vivat Athesis“. The composer says about his piece: „Athesis is the Adige, the main river and lifeline of South Tyrol. For centuries, its natural, wild strength shaped the beautiful valleys and meadows where the inhabitants of this country live. Its contrast to the lofty and impressive surrounding peaks creates an enormous tension that inspired me to write this composition. Vivat Athesis is not program music but rather a tribute to St. Pauls and to beautiful South Tyrol by the Adige."