Ashley Townsley, soprano, is widely applauded by audiences for her sparkling high notes and equally effervescent stage presence, exuding a natural charm that manifests itself in radiant vocal phrasing. Currently based in Texas and a Houston native, Ashley has already made a significant debut with the Houston Grand Opera, giving the world premiere of Jake Heggie’s Pieces of 9/11 Memories from Houston in 2012. Most recently, Ashley made her role and company debut as Amore in UNT Opera’s fully staged production of Gluck’s Orfeo with a baroque chamber ensemble. Ashley’s other operatic credits include Second Lady (Moscow, Cheryomushki – Shostakovich), as well as several chorus roles (Il cappello di paglia di Firenze – Rota, Salsipuedes – Catán) with the Moores School of Music (University of Houston). This summer, Ashley looks forward to returning to Die Zauberflöte in her role and company debut as Pamina with the LAH Summer Opera Workshop.
As a talented cross-over artist with finely honed stagecraft skills and a flexible and secure vocal technique, Ashley is also passionate about musical theatre performance and has made debuts in the roles of Johanna (Sweeney Todd), Hattie (Kiss Me Kate), Irene (Footloose), and Kate (Legally Blonde).
Ashley has also distinguished herself in concert repertoire as a consistent and reliable soloist, appearing in works including Mozart’s Coronation Mass, Handel’s Messiah, and Haydn’s Lord Nelson Mass with various orchestras and ensembles including the Louisiana Choral Foundation and the Lake Charles Messiah Chorus. Ashley has also enjoyed major competition successes, most recently winning first place in the NATS Adult Women College Division in 2019, and previously winning second place in the NATS Senior Women College Division (2017) and first place in the NATS Greater Houston Chapter (2010, 2012).
Ashley recently graduated with a Master of Music in Vocal Performance with a related field in Opera from the University of North Texas, where she studied under internationally renowned tenor, Richard Croft. Previously, Ashley commenced studies in music at the University of Houston, and later earned a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from McNeese State University where she held the competitive Juliet Hardtner Music Scholarship. Ashley is excited to continue her private vocal studies in the studio of international soprano, Dr. Carol Wilson at the University of North Texas, where she will pursue a Graduate Artist Certificate in Opera in the Fall of 2022.
