Kayla Nanto is a dynamic mezzo-soprano with a lush and versatile sound based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.  This season, Kayla joined Pensacola Opera as a Jan Miller Studio Artist where she appeared as Nettie Fowler in Carousel and as a featured soloist in various concerts.  Kayla is a recent winner of the Georgia District of The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.

During the 2021-2022 season, Kayla was a winner in the Colorado/Wyoming District of The Metropolitan Opera Laffont Competition.  She sang the title role in Carmen with Painted Sky Opera and was recently a Studio Artist with Fort Worth Opera, with whom she made her mainstage debut as “Flora” in La traviata. In addition, she returned as a Performing Artist with The Dallas Opera's  Education and Outreach program. 

Some of Kayla’s other recent engagements include “Second Witch” in Dido and Aeneas and “Eustazio” in Rinaldo with American Baroque Opera Company, “Alto soloist” in Messiah with Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra, “Frida Kahlo/Mother” in the world-premiere of Frida Kahlo and the Bravest Girl in the World with Fort Worth Opera, “Alto Soloist” in Petite Messe Solenelle with University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, "Suzuki" (cover) in Madama Butterfly with Opera Fort Collins, “Ulisse” in Achille in Sciro with Orchestra of New Spain, and “Edith” in Pirates of Penzance with Loveland Opera Theatre.​

Kayla holds degrees from University of North Texas (Master of Music) and University of Northern Colorado  (Bachelor of Music).  During her time at University of North Texas, she performed the roles of “Siébel” in Faust, “Petra” in A Little Night Music, and “Flora” in La traviata.  While at University of Northern Colorado, she performed the roles of “Angelina” in La Cenerentola and the title role in Carmen.