Ashley Bathgate is a renowned cellist and contemporary classical music artist who has made a name for herself in the music industry with her unique style and innovative approach to music. Born on October 17, 1982, in Saratoga Springs, New York, Bathgate grew up in a family of musicians and was exposed to music from a very young age. Bathgate's parents were both professional musicians, and her father was a cellist in the Albany Symphony Orchestra. As a result, Bathgate was introduced to the cello at the age of three and began taking lessons from her father. She quickly showed a natural talent for the instrument and began performing in public at the age of five. Bathgate continued to study the cello throughout her childhood and teenage years, and in 2004, she graduated from Bard College with a Bachelor of Music degree. She then went on to earn a Master of Music degree from Yale University in 2006. After completing her studies, Bathgate began performing with various orchestras and ensembles, including the Albany Symphony Orchestra, the American Symphony Orchestra, and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. She also began collaborating with contemporary composers and performing new works that pushed the boundaries of classical music. One of Bathgate's most notable collaborations was with composer John Luther Adams, who wrote a piece specifically for her called "Canticles of the Sky." The piece was premiered in 2013 at the Big Sky Festival in Montana and was later performed at the Lincoln Center in New York City. Bathgate has also performed with other notable composers, including Steve Reich, Philip Glass, and Terry Riley. In 2014, she performed Riley's "In C" with the All-Stars at the Brooklyn Academy of Music, which was praised by The New York Times as "a mesmerizing performance." In addition to her collaborations with composers, Bathgate has also released several solo albums, including "Stories for Ocean Shells" in 2016 and "Ash" in 2018. Both albums feature original compositions by Bathgate and showcase her unique style and approach to the cello. Bathgate's performances have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. In 2014, she was awarded a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant, which recognizes outstanding young musicians who have the potential for a major career in classical music. She was also named a "Rising Star" by the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center in 2015. Bathgate's performances have been praised by critics for their technical skill and emotional depth. The New York Times has called her "a cellist of power and grace" and "a virtuoso of the first order," while The Washington Post has described her as "a fearless player with technique to burn." Despite her success, Bathgate remains committed to pushing the boundaries of classical music and collaborating with contemporary composers to create new and innovative works. She continues to perform regularly and is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and innovative cellists of her generation.

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