Christopher Pepe Auer

Christopher Pepe Auer is a Lecturer for Jazz and Pop at the Mozarteum University's School of Music & Art Education in Salzburg, specializing in the Department of Music Education. He has held this position since 2015, teaching Big Band & Ensemble, Ear & Rhythm Training, Jazz/Pop Praxis Saxophone and Melody Instruments, and Arrangement & Composition.

Austrian-born musician (August 28, 1981), Auer studied at the University of Music in Graz, Vienna and Stockholm, graduating with honors in 'Saxophone - Jazz' and completing the cultural management course 'Art & Economy.' His educational background includes studies with Florian Bramböck, Karl-Heinz Miklin, Heinrich von Kalnein, Klaus Dickbauer, and Örjan Fahlström in Stockholm.

Auer's artistic work spans multiple dimensions of contemporary music. His primary research interests focus on the intersection of acoustic instruments with electronic processing, particularly evident in his 'White Noise' project where acoustic signals are expanded through electronic music production techniques. He explores transparent instrumentation without traditional bass, creating what he describes as 'a kind of transparency, like emerging from the water, which clears your head.' His work with contrabass clarinet represents significant innovation in sound exploration.

His recent album releases, particularly 'White Noise' (2020) and the upcoming 'Lake' (2025), demonstrate his evolving approach to chamber jazz with multi-colored yet transparent instrumentation. These works showcase his interest in natural flow, openness, and rhythmic precision while maintaining melodic accessibility. Auer's compositions often bridge jazz traditions with contemporary electronic elements, creating distinctive sonic landscapes.

• Hans Koller Prize: Newcomer of the Year
• Hans Koller Prize: New York-Stipendium
• Hans Koller Prize: Audience Award
• Nomination Amadeus Award 2018 (Best Sound)

As an educator and organizer, Auer founded Session Work Records (2007), now Austria's largest active jazz label, which has released over 130 CDs featuring approximately 300 musicians. He has organized the Session Work Festival for five editions at Porgy&Bess and other venues, and founded the Vienna Jazz Composers movement. His work extends to international collaborations with artists like Manu Delago, Joseph Bowie, Adam Holzman (Miles Davis Band), and the Vienna Art Orchestra, performing at venues including The Jazz Standard (NYC), Forbidden City Hall (Beijing), and numerous international festivals.

Auer leads the White Noise quartet featuring Michael Tiefenbacher (piano, analog synthesizer), Clemens Sainitzer (cello), and Christian Grobauer (drums), exploring multi-perspective musical dialogues that balance chamber music precision with experimental freedom. His innovative 'pepephon' instrument further demonstrates his commitment to expanding traditional musical boundaries.