Ashlee Hardgrave has been characterized as a "vocal powerhouse" (Hedy Weiss, Chicago Sun-Times) and "well sung" (Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune). Concert work includes soprano soloist in Mozart's Requiem (Vox 3 Collective) and Choi's Kandinsky (Constellation/Roosevelt University). Her new music premieres include James Syler's Three Places in Jazz, Sam Krahn’s Leave A Message, Robert Steel’s Lobster Stew, Adam Gustafson’s Morning Commute and The Rumi Cycle, and Matthew Lawton’s Sonnets. Favorite opera roles include Sharon Graham/Master Class (Theo Ubique Theatre), Mum & Sphinx/Greek (Chicago Opera Vanguard), Esther/Democracy (Vox 3/Eclipse Theatre), and Estelle/No Exit (COV).
Active in recital, chamber music, and cabaret, her past collaborators include the New Century Saxophone Quartet, the University of Illinois-Chicago Wind Ensemble, Chicago Gay Men's Chorus, the Chicago Cabaret Project, Midwest New Musicals, and Anaphora Ensemble. She can be heard on three albums (Green Genes, Spirit Within and New Song), and has been broadcast on WLUW, WBEZ, WFMT, and WOCH.
Ms. Hardgrave holds the M.M. from Roosevelt University and the B.A. from Arkansas Tech University. She is a proud member of Vox 3 Collective, Liederstube, Chicago Symphony Chorus, and Mode Ensemble.