Agata Riley is a Polish violinist whose artistic journey led her to make her home in Germany’s Black Forest. When she first set foot on German soil, Agata was armed with little more than her violin and the music of the great masters. With these tools, she built an extensive and varied career. For nearly two decades, she performed regularly with the Freiburg Philharmonic, where her musical presence, warmth, and unmistakable charisma made her a familiar and much-loved figure among audiences. During this period, she worked with many distinguished artists, including Grammy Award-winning conductor Kwamé Ryan.

Agata later became a regular performer with the SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg, performing, recording, and touring with the ensemble. A defining highlight of this chapter was an extensive tour with Ensemble Modern, conducted by the late Maestro Pierre Boulez. Under Boulez’s unmatched artistry and leadership, Agata performed works by Boulez himself and took part in the premiere of a work by Matthias Pintscher, among other projects. These performances brought her to some of Europe’s finest concert halls, including the Salle Pleyel in Paris, the Berliner Philharmonie and the Concertgebouw in Amsterdam.

For Agata, music has never existed solely on the concert stage. Throughout her performing career, she has sought ways to share her experience with others—teaching children, working with school pupils while touring in Japan, and even donning a fish costume for a children’s theatre production. She has also played at numerous funerals, offering music as a source of comfort at moments of profound loss. This deeply human element has remained her compass, keeping her grounded throughout the many years she has devoted to the world of music.

In 2014, Agata embarked upon a second professional journey with Vorwerk Culinary, where she was able to explore her love of cooking, communication, and bringing people together. As in her musical career, she flourished through commitment, creativity, and a natural ability to inspire others. Beginning in sales, she progressed to team leader and ultimately branch manager, leading a thriving organization of 260 successful and highly valued colleagues.

Agata now brings these two worlds together. Drawing on her experience as a musician, educator, mentor, and business leader, she combines her love of music and cooking with creativity, confidence-building, and just the right amount of whimsy. She continues to perform as a violinist and particularly treasures playing chamber music with her husband, saxophonist Elliot Riley. Through her online community and Patreon platform, she shares her passions and brings music, inspiration, and joy to students of all ages.