photo: Łukasz Rajchert

Agnieszka Franków-Żelazny (holder of a doctoral degree in Art) is a graduate of Wrocław Music Academy, specialising in choral conducting at the Music Education Department and singing at the Vocal Department. She also received a master’s degree in Biology from Wrocław University and completed post-graduate Studies for Choirmasters at Bydgoszcz Music Academy.
 
She began her career as a chorister in a Mixed Choir at Secondary School in Głubczyce, and then continued as a member of several Wrocław university ensembles.

In 1999 she founded the "Con Amore" Choir at the School Complex No. 1 in Wrocław, with which two years in a row, 2000 and 2001, she received recognition at the Polish Choirs Competition in Bydgoszcz. From November 1999 until February 2000 she was the conductor and artistic director of the Wrocław University of Technology Choir.

From 1993 to 1999 she was a member of German-Polish Choral Academy IN TERRA PAX, where she was a vocal coach from 1997 to 1999. In 2000 she founded the Wrocław Medical University Chamber Choir, with which she has been extremely successful both at Polish and international competitions. Since June 2006 she has been the Artistic Director of Wrocław Philharmonic Choir.
She was a guest conductor and choirmaster of ensembles such as the Silesian Philharmonic Choir, Gabrieli Consort, Wrocław Philharmonic Orchestra, Wrocław Ensemble of Soloists Ricordanza, Wrocław Music Academy Chamber Orchestra and Festival Choir of the International Festival Wratislavia Cantans. She has received abundant recognition for her work at choral and conducting competitions. In 2004 she won the first prize at the 10th Polish Competition for Choral Conductors in Poznań, and special award for the best choral and vocal conducting methods. In recognition of outstanding achievement she received Legnica Cantat 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, Gaude Cantem 2005 awards for the best conductor.

In April 2004 she was voted the best student of the Music Academy and, representing the Academy, she was awarded the first prize of the regional round of Primus Inter Pares best student competition.

She has performed over 500 a cappella choral compositions and 70 vocal and instrumental works.

In addition to her artistic work, Agnieszka Franków-Żelazny also works as a scholar. She has joined the faculty at the Music Education Department of Wrocław Music Academy, to teach conducting and vocal technique. She has participated in a number of conducting courses and seminars. She is also frequently engaged as a vocal consultant to present workshops for choirmasters and choir ensembles.

Vibrant and dynamic, Agnieszka Franków-Żelazny is at the same time sensitive and full of grace. It is obvious that choir is where her true passion and challenge lie.