Born in Poland, Jolanta received a master’s degree in Arts from the State Academy of Music in Warsaw. She studied violin with Zenon Bakowski, Concertmaster of Warsaw Philharmonic, and Tadeusz Gadzina, who was first violin of the world renowned Wilanowski Quartet. Her first orchestral job was with the National Philharmonic Orchestra in Warsaw, an extremely busy orchestra that recorded and toured endlessly. Jolanta remained there from 1977-81.
In 1981 the orchestra did a one-month tour of Australia, which included Perth under the banner of PIAF. Following this tour, Jolanta came to Perth to play with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra on a one–year contract, then joined the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra as a full-time musician for one and a half years. In 1984, Jolanta moved to Switzerland and became a permanent member of the Berne Symphony Orchestra, where the repertoire was half ballet and opera performances, and half symphonies in the concert hall. Jolanta remained a member of this orchestra for nearly 14 years, touring to the UK, Italy and Germany. During this time, Jolanta did numerous trips to Australia with family for holidays. In 1996, she returned to Australia with the intention of staying 2-3 years, but landed a permanent position with WASO and has been here ever since.
Jolanta returns to Europe during most summer breaks to visit her family. She enjoys Latin dancing and trekking, and has journeyed to Base Camp at Mount Everest.