Kelly Balmaceda

NATS welcomes Kelly Balmaceda to its national executive staff as the director of events and programs. 

In this new role, Balmaceda will coordinate all events and most programming for the association. Balmaceda has a variety of experiences in the vocal arts, including working as a performer, entrepreneur and educator. No matter the setting or venue, she will ensure that NATS produces the highest quality offerings for its members and attendees.

“I have known Kelly’s work for a number of years and was pleased when she applied for this important position at NATS,” said Allen Henderson, NATS executive director. “Her experience creating numerous creative ventures including a successful independent studio and an opera company set her apart from other candidates who applied and will add an important perspective to our staff as we serve our entire membership.”

An enterprising artist, Balmaceda has created and performed music in a variety of venues, both traditional and outside of the box. Life on the road, as a military spouse, has catapulted her success not only as a performer but also as an entrepreneur and educator.

Her creative prowess shines through in her entrepreneurial ventures. She is the founder and director of MUSIC off MAIN, a venue for professional productions and music education, including her self-developed mini MAESTROS, a music program for infants and toddlers, The Albemarle Youth Choir, and co- founder of the CANTARE Workshop. She is the founder of the former Sparkling City Light Opera in Corpus Christi, Texas, as well as concert series around the country. She is an avid promoter and performer of new music, and she works closely in collaboration with award-winning composer, Amy Scurria. In their recent collaboration, Balmaceda made her debut as Alice, librettist, dramaturg, and producer in ALICE, An Operatic Wonderland, which receive its festival and collegiate premiere in summer 2023 and spring 2024, respectively. 

Other career highlights include working as a teaching artist with the Metropolitan Opera Guild and Boston Lyric Opera, performances with San Antonio Opera, Lafayette Symphony Orchestra, Houston Choral Artists, the Corpus Christi Chorale, Collective Euphonia (founding member), and the Chesapeake Orchestra. She is an avid recitalist, and she has served as a cantor/soloist at cathedrals and Catholic churches around the country.

Balmaceda is constantly striving to engage and inspire not only the next generation of artists but also audiences of every age and demographic through educational outreach and accessible performances. She has served on faculties at University of Tampa, Georgia Southern University, and Saint Joseph’s College. Her students have been accepted into top conservatories and universities, performed on national tours, young artist programs, regional/professional operatic and theater productions, and have won numerous competitions. She has been an active member and participant in NATS as both a teacher and student, most recently serving as the secretary for the Tampa Bay NATS Chapter. She also was a national finalist in the NATS Artist Awards (NATSAA) competition.

She received a bachelor’s degree in vocal performance from New England Conservatory and a master’s degree in vocal performance from University of Houston.