The Ensemble SaxallegrO began giving concerts in 1991 and was one of the first Austrian ensemble to play in this formation.

Two extraordinary musicians combine to utilise the creative harmonising potential of saxophone and organ and produce a unique musical experience for the listener.

A typical programme contains compositions by Bach, Händel, Ravel and Debussy, lightened with works for solo saxophone and solo organ.

Hannes Kawrza - saxophone (Lienz, East Tyrol, Austria)

Diploma with honours and appraisal prize for classical saxophone - Musikhochschule (University School of Music), Graz, Austria. Teacher's diploma for the classical saxophone, Master of Arts. Winner of the "Berklee School of Music Award in Recognition of Outstanding Musicianship". Classical studies with Peter Strab, Eugene Rousseau, Daniel Deffayet. Jazz studies with David Baker and Berry Harris.

Concert appearances as solist with orchestra or piano accompaniment in the USA, Italy, Switzerland, Hungary, Belgium, Austria, as well as tours in Turkey, Poland, and the Czech Republic.

Member of various orchestras and ensembles: The Graz Philharmonia, The Opera House Orchestra, Muncie Symphony and Marion Symphony in the USA, Pro Arte Ensemble, Collegium Musicum, Austrian Art Ensemble and the Camerata Carinitia. Concert for the 10th International World Saxophone Congress in Pesaro, Italy, 1992 - a recital in the "Teatro Rossini" with the world premiere of Divertimento a Duo for saxophone by Ernesto Pellegrini.

First Austrian guest professor for the saxophone in the USA - Ball State University, Muncie, Indiana. Teacher of the classical saxophone at the University School of Music, Graz, and professor of classical and jazz master classes in Austria and the USA.

First concert in Austria for organ and saxophone - Maria Wörth (1991).

Translator from English into German of two methods of saxophone playing (Eugene Rousseau, Complete Saxophone Methods). Author of the internationally published essay The Improvisation Technique of Cannonball Adderley during his creative period with Miles Davis, 1957-59.

Recorded "Saxophonissimo" the first CD of Ensemble SaxallegrO (saxophone and organ), 1998.

Florian Pagitsch was born in Tamsweg, Salzburg, Austria. He studied with A. Forer, F. Peeters, A. von Zebner. He also studied in Belgium, India, Pakistan and Iran.

He is recipient of the Franz Liszt Prize (1978), the Johann Sebastian Bach Medal (1980) and the 1rst Prize in Organ Competition in Linz (1986).

Mr. Pagitsch has performed in USA, Europe and Asia. He has collaborated with Franzisco Araiza and the English Brass Ensemble. He has performe on Radio France, Radio Hungrois, ORF (Austrian radio, television). He teaches at Musikhochschule, Wien.

Lots of applause for the brilliant saxophonist Hannes Kawrza.

-Kleine Zeitung, Klagenfurt

Duo Saxopiano: Fine concert for experts.

-Neue Kronenzeitung, Vienna

In ‘Scaramouche’ Kawrza inspired with his polished and controlled, but in no way dry demonstration of breathing-and-technique execution.

-Kleine Zeitung, Graz

With impeccable control and dexterity, Kawrza gave the composer’s final work a fervent almost romantic intensity.

-The Muncie Star, USA

Fantastic recital given by the Austrian duo.The Austrian duo - having previously performed in Istanbul, Ankara and Eskisehir - gave a concert ranging from the classic to the modern, and because of their individual style of playing and interpretation, were given a rousing reception.

-Olay, Bursa, Turkey