Ashley Bathgate, cello

Ashley is an American cellist described as an “eloquent new music interpreter”(New York Times) and “a glorious cellist”(The Washington Post) who combines “bittersweet lyricism along with ferocious chops”(New York Magazine). Her “impish ferocity”, “rich tone” and “imaginative phrasing” (New York Times) have made her one of the most sought after performers of her time. The desire to create a dynamic energy exchange with her audience and build upon the ensuing chemistry is a pillar of Bathgate’s philosophy as a performer. Dynamism drives her to venture into previously uncharted areas of ground-breaking sounds and techniques, breaking the mold of a cello’s traditionally perceived voice. Bathgate was a member of the acclaimed sextet Bang on a Can All-Stars from 2009-2019. She is currently a member of the chamber music group Eighth Blackbird, TwoSense, a duo project with pianist Lisa Moore and the Anzu Quartet. As a soloist she has collaborated with, commissioned and recorded works by some of today’s leading voices in contemporary music, including Kate Moore, Michael Gordon, David Lang and the Sleeping Giant composer collective. In 2022 Bathgate was appointed as the Artistic and Executive Director of Avaloch Farm Music Institute, a creative arts residency program located in Boscawen, NH. (ashleybathgate.com)