Born in Graz, Großbauer received his first violin lessons at the age of five.
At the age of twelve he was admitted to the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz.
Furthermore he became a member of the Philharmonia Schrammeln Vienna; he belonged to this ensemble for ten years.
[1][2] On 1 September 2017, Großbauer was replaced by Daniel Froschauer as Chairman of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra.
[3] His wife Maria Großbauer [de] is the successor of Desirée Treichl-Stürgkh [de], organizer of the Vienna Opera Ball[4] and since November 2017 Member of the National Council.