British-born mezzo-soprano Annabella-Vesela Ellis, of mixed heritage with a Bulgarian mother, continues to captivate audiences with her powerful voice and compelling stage presence. This season, she makes her debut with the London City Philharmonic under the baton of Marko Hribernik, performing operatic classics following her recent triumph as the second prize winner of the Covent Garden Opera Competition. She will also appear with English National Opera as the Page in Rigoletto, a Novice in Suor Angelica, and understudy Kate in The Pirates of Penzance. Further engagements include a return to Gloucester Cathedral as Alto Soloist in Verdi’s Requiem under Adrian Partington, and a performance of Elgar’s Sea Pictures with the Fortismere Community Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Gregory.

Last season, Annabella-Vesela covered the role of Annina in La Traviata with English National Opera, under the baton of Richard Farnes and the direction of Peter Konwitschny and Ruth Knight. She made a memorable return to English National Opera as New Ofglen in The Handmaid’s Tale, a critically acclaimed and award-nominated production. Directed by ENO’s Artistic Director Annilese Miskimmon and conducted by Joana Carneiro, her performance was praised for its intensity and emotional depth. Annabella also made a celebrated solo debut in the Verdi Requiem with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and secured second prize in the Covent Garden Opera Competition.

In the 2022/23 season, Annabella-Vesela made her debut at Wexford Festival Opera as Constance Fenimore Woolson in the world premiere of The Master, an opera based on Colm Tóibín’s novel about Henry James. Directed by Conor Hanratty and composed by Alberto Caruso, her performance was widely lauded. She also competed in the Finals Round of the prestigious Tenor Viñas Competition in Barcelona, understudied Neferneferuaten (Daughter 5) in Phelim McDermott’s Olivier Award-winning production of Akhnaten at English National Opera, and performed as the Alto Soloist in Bach’s St John Passion under the baton of Gavin Carr. Additionally, Annabella was a quarter-finalist in the Elizabeth Connell Prize.

The 2021/22 season marked significant milestones for Annabella-Vesela, including her English National Opera debut as New Ofglen in The Handmaid’s Tale. She also made her solo debut at the Savonlinna Opera Festival in an adapted version of Aida, directed by Philipp Himmelmann and conducted by Ville Matvejeff. Annabella reached the finals of the 2022 Rita Gorr International Competition in Belgium, further cementing her reputation as a rising star in the opera world.

In previous seasons, Annabella returned to Opéra de Nice, making her debut as Ankhesenpaaten and covering Nefertiti in their award-winning production of Akhnaten, directed by Lucinda Childs. She also covered Despina in Così fan Tutte at Opéra de Nice. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Annabella performed in recitals with the Leeds Lieder Festival and launched the Norfolk County Music Festival.

Annabella’s additional past roles include Rosina (The Barber of Seville), Orlovsky (Die Fledermaus), Carmen and Mercédès (Carmen), Dorabella (Così fan tutte), Suzuki (Madame Butterfly), Tonina (Prima la Musica), and Mrs. Coyle (Owen Wingrave). She has worked with prestigious companies such as Glyndebourne Festival Opera, Longborough Festival Opera, and British Youth Opera, among others. Her concert appearances as an alto soloist in works like Mozart’s Requiem, Bach’s B Minor Mass, and his Christmas Oratorio have taken her to renowned venues including Wigmore Hall, Royal Albert Hall, and Laeiszhalle.

A graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland’s Alexander Gibson Opera Studio, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, Annabella has garnered accolades throughout her studies, including second prize in the Isabella Jay Aria Competition and the English Lied (Ivor Gurney) Competition. She has been a finalist in the Maureen Lehane Competition at Wigmore Hall and the Royal Overseas League Competition, second prize winner of the Ljuba Welitsch Singing Competition and a winner of the Norfolk Young Musician Competition.

[2024/25 Update]