British-Bulgarian mezzo-soprano Annabella-Vesela Ellis is a multifaceted artist whose work reflects a rich, mixed heritage and a deep commitment to dramatic storytelling. Currently establishing herself as a versatile presence across the operatic and concert stages, her 2025–26 season features a series of significant debuts and return invitations. Highlights include a semi-finalist appearance at the International Dvořák Singing Competition and orchestral debuts with the West London Sinfonia in Manuel de Falla’s El Amor Brujo and the Carmen Suites.

Deeply committed to contemporary and commemorative programming, Ellis collaborates this season with the Ukrainian Cultural Institute for the world premiere of Alla Sirenko’s Testament and Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater, marking the 40th anniversary of the Chernobyl disaster. On the concert platform, she returns to the Three Choirs Festival in Gloucester as the alto soloist in Mozart’s Requiem, following her acclaimed performance of the Verdi Requiem with the ensemble. Her solo recital engagements include appearances at St. Paul’s, Chipperfield, and the Actor's Church, Covent Garden.

A frequent presence at English National Opera, Ellis’s recent engagements with the company include the Page (Rigoletto), a Novice (Suor Angelica), and understudying the role of Kate (The Pirates of Penzance). She previously garnered critical praise at the London Coliseum for her "shimmering impression" (Opera Magazine) as New Ofglen in the award-winning production of The Handmaid’s Tale, where she was noted for her ability to "command attention with an attractive, well-sung performance" (OperaWire). Her relationship with ENO extends to the main stage and innovative outreach through ENO Engage, following her earlier work covering Annina (La Traviata) and Neferneferuaten (Akhnaten).

International highlights include her debut at Wexford Festival Opera as Constance Fenimore Woolson in the world premiere of The Master, where she "immediately seduced with the quality of her vocal line" (Avant Scène Opéra) and "expertly captured the role's concerns and love with emotional strength" (OperaWire). Further European engagements include her solo debut at the Savonlinna Opera Festival in Aida and appearances at Opéra de Nice as Ankhesenpaaten (Akhnaten) and Despina (Così fan tutte). Her portrayal of Prince Orlovsky in Die Fledermaus was met with "stürmischen Beifall" (Online Merker), while her Rosina in The Barber of Seville has been hailed as "a star turn" (The Stage), noted for its "sparkling eyes and thrilling coloratura" (The Yorkshire Times).

Annabella-Vesela Ellis is a graduate of the Alexander Gibson Opera Studio at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Royal Academy of Music, and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. Her success on the competition circuit includes second prize at both the Covent Garden Opera Competition and the Ljuba Welitsch International Singing Competition, alongside reaching the finals round of the Tenor Viñas Competition in Barcelona.