Ashley Riches is a British classical music artist who has made a name for himself as a bass-baritone singer. He was born on 23rd May 1986 in London, England. Riches grew up in a musical family, with his father being a professional jazz pianist and his mother a music teacher. He started playing the piano at the age of four and later took up the cello and double bass. However, it was not until he was a teenager that he discovered his love for singing. Riches attended the prestigious Eton College, where he was a chorister in the school's chapel choir. He then went on to study music at the University of Cambridge, where he was a choral scholar at King's College. During his time at Cambridge, Riches was a member of the King's Singers, a renowned a cappella group. He also performed in various operas and concerts, including a production of Mozart's "The Marriage of Figaro" at the Cambridge Arts Theatre. After graduating from Cambridge, Riches continued his vocal training at the Royal College of Music in London. He studied under the tutelage of renowned bass-baritone Robert Lloyd and graduated with a Master of Performance degree in 2011. During his time at the Royal College of Music, Riches won several awards, including the prestigious Tagore Gold Medal for excellence in performance. Riches' professional career as a classical music artist began in 2011 when he made his debut with the English National Opera in a production of Mozart's "The Magic Flute." He has since performed with many of the world's leading opera companies, including the Royal Opera House, Glyndebourne Festival Opera, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Riches has also appeared in numerous concerts and recitals, performing with some of the world's leading orchestras and conductors. One of Riches' most notable performances was his portrayal of the title role in Handel's "Saul" at the Glyndebourne Festival Opera in 2015. The production was directed by Barrie Kosky and received critical acclaim for its innovative staging and Riches' powerful performance. Riches has also received praise for his performances in Mozart's "Don Giovanni," Britten's "Billy Budd," and Verdi's "Falstaff." In addition to his opera and concert performances, Riches is also a keen recitalist. He has performed in recitals at some of the world's leading concert halls, including Wigmore Hall in London and Carnegie Hall in New York. Riches is particularly passionate about performing lieder, and he has recorded several albums of Schubert's songs. Riches has won several awards throughout his career, including the Royal Philharmonic Society's Young Artist Award in 2012 and the Critics' Circle Award for Exceptional Young Talent in 2014. He was also a finalist in the BBC Cardiff Singer of the World competition in 2015. In addition to his performing career, Riches is also a keen educator. He has taught at the Royal College of Music and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. He is also a patron of the charity Music in Hospitals & Care, which provides live music to people in healthcare settings. In conclusion, Ashley Riches is a highly talented and accomplished classical music artist who has made a significant impact on the world of opera and concert performance. His powerful voice, engaging stage presence, and passion for music have won him critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans. Riches' career is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and a love for music.

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