About Ashley McAulay
Ashley McAulay is a performer / composer, based within Manchester UK.
Since a young age, Ashley has been involved in music from being taught through Manchester Music Service (which later became One Education), performing at Marsden Jazz Festival, Royal Northern College of Music, and even for Queen Elizabeth II. And since has developed his craft by going into further education, studying at the University of York (2018-2021) and the University of Salford (2021-2022). Taught by Edwina Smith and Rachel Holt.
Whilst having a passion for music that was not strictly classical, joined alternative music groups such as post-punk band Jerry, and Progressive Metal band Kosmus playing Flute and Saxophone. During this time, ended up becoming a Greenman Rising winner in 2019, leading him to perform at Greenman Festivals main stage.
Whilst at the University of York, Ashley was involved in multiple ensembles - The Chimera Ensemble, Toot that Flute, University of York Symphony Orchestra, University of York Jazz and Big Band.
Since leaving York, went onto postgraduate education at Salford, studying Music Performance. Whilst at Salford, he joined ensembles such as the World Music Ensemble, the Adelphi Contemporary Music Group, Indian Jazz-Rock fusion band Wingspread and collaborated with other artforms such as Art & Dance.
During his research, became infatuated with music from different parts of the world studying the history of Brazilian Choro, and then later delving into the world of graphic scores, in which became his masters project, in which he continues to compose graphic scores which are performed regularly by the Adelphi Contemporary Music Group. His Masters research was published in 2024 (available via figshare).
Since graduating in 2022, has performed at Lancaster Jazz Festival, Salford University Freshers Week, Black History and Women's history performances, Envirolution, Contact theatres' Turn (2023), Improvisation nights, SKA Observatory at Jodrell Bank, Gobefest, the Bridgewater Hall, Stockport Plaza and even Madrid.
Ensembles that Ashley is currently associated with;
- Lancashire Sinfonia (Flute/ Piccolo player and Social Media accounts)
- Taraneh Orchestra (Flute & Piccolo)
- Manchester Beethoven Orchestra (Flute & Piccolo)
- Salford's World Music Ensemble (Flute & Voice)
- Adelphi Contemporary Music Group (Flute & Misc)
Ashley continues to work with musicians, projects and bands across the globe and is always ecstatic for new collaborations, compositions and opportunities to make the contemporary come to life.
