Elias Praxmarer

Elias Praxmarer serves as Senior Lecturer in Music Theory at the Department of Music Education, School of Music & Art Education, Mozarteum University Salzburg (Innsbruck branch), where his work integrates academic scholarship with active artistic practice.

His educational foundation includes studies at the Tyrolean State Conservatory, Mozarteum University Salzburg (Innsbruck branch), and the University of Music and Theatre in Munich under distinguished mentors including Bernhard Haas, Franz Baur, and Michael Schöch, with additional guidance from international figures like Wolfgang Zerer and Bernard Foccroulle.

Praxmarer's research and creative work spans three interconnected domains: organ performance across 15+ European countries on historically significant instruments; composition of sacred and secular works commissioned by major ensembles including the Bavarian Philharmonic Orchestra and Konzerthaus Berlin; and music-theoretical inquiry rooted in historical performance practices. His artistic output demonstrates deep engagement with liturgical traditions while pushing contemporary boundaries through innovative organ repertoire.

His distinguished recognition includes:

• First prize at the International Composition Competition for Organ in Saarlouis (2023), becoming the youngest winner in the competition's history
• Richard Wagner scholarship and Hilde-Zach composition scholarship from Innsbruck
• Multiple competition finals at Brucknerhaus Linz and Gasteig Munich
• Top honors in the Tyrolean Composers' Competition

Praxmarer directs significant artistic initiatives including the ORGEL PLUS festival at Stams Abbey (co-founded 2018), represents Innsbruck at the European Cities of Historical Organs consortium since 2020, and co-manages the International Paul Hofhaimer Organ Competition. His work bridges academic rigor with public-facing cultural leadership through these platforms.