Johannes Ebenbauer

Born 1963 in Strallegg, Styria. First instrumental lessons with his grandfather, later piano and organ at the Bischöfliche Gymnasium in Graz, where he was a house organist and chorister.

Became acquainted with the great oratorio literature while in the Grazer cathedral choir.

1985 Diploma in church music (organ, conducting, singing, composition), passed with distinction, at the Graz University of Music, as well as studies in solo singing and theology.

From 1985 music assistant at Vienna’s St. Stephen’s Cathedral under Director of Music Peter Planyavsky.

From 1985 to 1988 study of organ performance at the University of Vienna, finishing with Diploma.

From 1991 to 2005 Domkapellmeister (Director of Cathedral Music) at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna.

Responsibilities and activities there: artistic and organizational direction of all ensembles at the cathedral in liturgy and concerts: Kantorei, vocal ensemble, Cappella Albertina, cathedral choir, soloist ensembles, Choralschola, cathedral orchestra, baroque orchestra J. J. Fux.

Cooperation with ORF broadcasting and television – from 1998 live broadcasts on Radio Klassik every Sunday.

In 1994 he acquired the degree of Magister artium at the Wiener Musikuniversität (Vienna University of Music). Dissertation topic: “The situation of contemporary composition in church music between 1970 and 1980 in Austria”

Since 2002 teaching at the Vienna Musikuniversität (organ improvisation, liturgical organ playing, vocal ensemble, etc.) and at the Vienna Diocesesan Conservatory (organ, ecclesiastical composition etc.)

Since September 2005, artistic director of the Concert Association musica.sacra.wien.

In May 2006 he was awarded the Golden Distinguished Service Order of the Republic of Austria.

From 2006 to 2013 artistic director of the Augustinus Festival in Stift Vorau, Styria.

Since 2006 intense activities in organ playing (Concerts and Liturgy), focus on improvisation in different styles.

Since 2010 initiator and artistic director of the Series of Vocal-Music VOCuMENTA at the famous Otto Wagner Church, Steinhof, Wien

Since 2010 Organist at the Vienna’s Franziscan Church with performings at the Wöckherl-Organ from 1642 (Organ presentations, concerts, Liturgy). He is artistic director of the festival QUINTESSENZ at the Wöckherl-Organ.

Since 2013 Professor for Organ and Improvisation at the University for music and performing arts in Vienna.
Since October 2020 Ebenbauer has been head of the Institute for Organ, Organ Research and Church Music at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Vienna.

Taken from www.ebenbauer.org/english/