Karl Michael Balzer, born in 1968 in Wetzlar, is a German cultural manager and theatre director. His career has developed mainly in the world of opera. After serving as opera director at the Staatstheater Darmstadt, he was the intendant of the Theater Freiburg from 2006 to 2012. His most significant position was as intendant and executive director of the Komische Oper Berlin from 2012 to 2022, in tandem with artistic director Barrie Kosky. Under their leadership, the institution experienced a period of great success, characterized by innovative productions and a significant increase in audience numbers. During his tenure, the Komische Oper received prestigious awards, including 'Opera Company of the Year' at the International Opera Awards in 2015 and 'Opera House of the Year' by Opernwelt magazine in 2013. Since 2022, he has held the position of director of the Vienna Volksoper.