Felix Wagner

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1989–2024

Genres

jazz, rock, pop, indie, folk, samba, bossa nova, MPB

Instruments

piano, keyboard, saxophone, clarinet, vibraphone, bass clarinet, electronic keyboards

Biography

Felix Wagner is a versatile musician, pianist, composer, keyboardist, vibraphonist, and clarinetist born in São Paulo, Brazil, in 1960. His musical journey began with classical training, including piano, harmony, jazz composition, and improvisation under the tutelage of Hamilton Godoy in São Paulo. He further honed his skills with clarinet lessons from Hector Costita, a member of the São Paulo Symphony Orchestra, and attended composition and music theory classes at the "Escola de Comunicações e Arte" (ECA) in São Paulo. Wagner also participated in a summer course at the "Creative Music School" in Woodstock, NY, led by Karl Berger.

Throughout his career, Wagner has been a prominent figure in the Brazilian music scene, particularly in jazz, rock, pop, and indie genres. He has performed and recorded extensively in Brazil, with appearances at festivals and on radio and television. His work as a pianist and musical director for the theater ensemble "Ornitorrinco" led to performances of "Mahagonny Songspiel" and "... singt Brecht" in New York, Caracas, and at the "Cervantes Festival" in Mexico, followed by a three-year run in São Paulo. He also served as the composer, arranger, and pianist for the Big Band of Musikschule Kreuzberg in Berlin from 1989 to 2003, contributing significantly to the Berlin jazz scene.

Wagner's diverse musical interests extend to various instruments, including piano, vintage electronic keyboards, alto saxophone, and bass clarinet. His influences span jazz of all styles and eras, rock and pop from the 80s onwards, progressive rock, soul, and funk. He has also been recognized with the Förderpreis des Senats von Berlin for his solo piano work. Currently, he teaches piano, saxophone, and clarinet at Groove Garage, sharing his passion and extensive knowledge with aspiring musicians.