Monica Ellis — a 2024 Grammy Award winner and three-time nominee — is a bassoonist, entrepreneur, and founding member of the wind quintet Imani Winds, which for over a quarter-century has dazzled audiences with dynamic playing, adventurous programming, and a commitment to outreach, new works, and collaborations. Growing up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Ellis studied bassoon with Mark Pancerev and went on to receive her bachelor of music degree from Oberlin College Conservatory of Music, studying with George Sakakeeny. She received her master’s degree from The Juilliard School and her Professional Studies Certificate from Manhattan School of Music in the Orchestral Performance Program, studying with Frank Morelli at both institutions. She has appeared as solo bassoon with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, American Composers Orchestra, and Chineke! Orchestra in London’s Queen Elizabeth Hall. Recording credits include 10 studio albums with Imani Winds.

Ellis is on the faculty of Curtis Institute of Music and Manhattan School of Music and frequently presents master classes and solo recital performances across the country. She is a sought-after commentator on issues of race, gender, and entrepreneurship in classical music and is a board member of Concert Artists Guild and the International Double Reed Society. Ellis is a Fox Bassoon Artist and plays exclusively on a Model 201.

Monica Ellis watches Jeopardy! religiously, loves home decorating, and resides in the historic village of Harlem in New York City with the greatest joy of her life — her 10-year-old son, Oden. A natural organizer, she is the co-artistic and executive director of Imani Winds and its annual Chamber Music Festival, and treasurer of its nonprofit foundation.