Mezzo-soprano Melanie Ashkar is known for the “rich texture” of her voice and her “delightfully expressive” stage presence. This season, she returned to New York City Opera as Gertrude in Roméo et Juliette, then debuted as Mercédès in Carmen with Opera Western Reserve, as Adah in Naughty Marietta with Winter Opera St. Louis, and as Metella in La Vie Parisienne at the French Embassy in Washington, DC with L'Opera Comique de Washington. She also joined the Canton Symphony Orchestra in a program of songs by Gustav and Alma Mahler and appeared in concert with the Arlington Chorale, Chesapeake Orchestra, and Bel Cantanti Opera. 

She is thrilled to return to TUNDI Productions as Floßhilde after having performed Siegrune in Die Walküre last summer. Other recent highlights include Cathérine in Le Loup Garou with Opera Southwest, the Witch in Hansel and Gretel with Pacific Opera Project, Olga in Eugene Onegin with Skylark Opera Theatre, Mother in Amahl and the Night Visitors with Bel Cantanti Opera, and Flora in La Traviata with OperaDelaware, Opera Baltimore, and Virginia Opera. 

Melanie has been recognized by the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, Opera Piccola, the Schuyler Foundation for Career Bridges Grant Awards, and the Gerda Lissner Foundation. A Washington, DC native, she holds degrees from the University of Virginia, Georgetown University, and Mannes College.