ARTIST BIO

Ashlie Lauren Smith, Mezzo-Soprano

Mezzo-Soprano, Ashlie Lauren Smith has established herself as a versatile and expressive performer, known for her captivating stage presence in both operatic and concert settings. Ashlie pursued a Master of Music in Voice Performance at the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music, where she had the privilege of studying under distinguished teachers such as William McGraw and Sylvia Plyer. She also holds a Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance from Stetson University, where she was mentored by Jane Christenson and Mollie Rich, further honing her craft during a year of study in Freiburg, Germany with Viola De Galgóczy-Mécher.

Ashlie’s extensive stage experience includes leading roles such as "Luisa" in The Fantasticks and "Johanna" in Sweeney Todd. She has also performed in the title role of Copland’s The Tender Land and as "Zulma" in Rossini’s L’Italiana in Algieri. Her concert appearances include solo performances in Handel’s Messiah with the Orlando Philharmonic, Mendelssohn’s St. Paul Oratorio, and Vaughan Williams' Serenade to Music.

Recently, Ashlie performed as the mezzo-soprano soloist in Haydn's Seven Last Words of Christ and took part in the Arizona Bach Festival Masterclass series. Her collaboration with the Oak Hill Production Studio included a beautifully rendered performance of "Oh Holy Night." Additionally, Ashlie worked with the legendary Bobby McFerrin last summer, further exploring contemporary vocal techniques and improvisation in a collaborative and innovative setting.

Ashlie is particularly excited to collaborate once again with Maestro Michael Wheatley for this performance of Elgar's Sea Pictures. She previously performed under his baton in Ravel’s Shéhérazade with the Seven Hills Sinfonietta and is thrilled to reunite with him for this evocative work.