Tenor, Orson Van Gay II, possesses a unique voice that captivates the audience with his charisma and command of the stage for a singer of his generation. His performances showcase vocal talents that have brought him constant recognition throughout Los Angeles and in a number of productions with LA Opera’s educational outreach touring productions. Van Gay was honored to star the title role in LA Opera's outreach touring production of Orpheus and was delighted to return for the second season in 2015. In addition, he made his main stage debut when he took on the brilliantly crass role of Bernard Curson (Cherubino) in LA Opera’s adaptation of Figaro 90210! The lyric tenor notably performed the lead role of Ben in Todd Goodman’s Opera, Night of the Living Dead the Opera at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center in Pennsylvania. Upon his return to L.A., he sang the haunting role of Orlando in the nationally acclaimed production of Hopscotch with the Los Angeles-based company The Industry. Not long after, he took on the role of the dashing Outlaw, Dick Johnson in LA Opera’s touring production of The Prospector and is scheduled to return Spring 2017. After a successful three week premiere of Open Door Days at Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, Van Gay gears up for a robust touring production of Puccini Opera Tales throughout the greater Los Angeles area Spring 2017. Most recently, Van Gay made his Pacific Symphony debut as the tenor soloist to a sold out concert at the Segerstrom Concert Hall under the baton of maestro Carl St. Clair. Van Gay's momentum continues to build with several exciting performances with LA Opera and engagements abroad. Van Gay also is involved in community projects to showcase Opera at the local community level. He was a featured soloist, at the Italian American Museum of Los Angeles (IAMLA)Taste of Italy Festival in Los Angeles, Jimmy Kimmel’s annual Italian Festival in Hollywood, California and the Voices of Hope Benefit Concert. He has recently recorded new original works by renowned composers such as: David Newman, Nathan Wang and Veronika Krausas, to name a few. Van Gay has a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Performance from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. Van Gay was also honored as a state and regional winner in the Mid-Atlantic NATS competition for two consecutive years. Virginia Opera’s former Musical Director, Joe Walsh, candidly introduced Van Gay to an audience as a “hybrid” new voice that is not only able to sing classical music but effectively sings other styles as well. This versatility has proven to be a strong commodity with today’s increasing musical demands on Opera singers. A classical arts publication out of Virginia - - Artsongupdate - - described Orson's voice as: "there is a liquid silver tone in his lyric tenor voice and confident clarity of text"... "There is a compelling urgency in his tone that wins the listener's heart."..."Top notes were perfect and the vulnerability and beauty throughout caught us in the thrall of anticipated greatness for this young vocalist as he builds a career" Van Gay is originally from Southern California where he began acting in several nationally recognized television series. He has been featured in major television commercials for CBN, ABC, WVEC and starred on the Discovery Channel in a variety of episodes; as well as Investigation Discovery's (I.D.) “Wicked Attraction,” the opera singer on McDonald’s “Sip of Glee” commercials and played Lionel Richie on “Candidly Nicole.” Van Gay has also multi-faceted talents as a Pop/R&B singer/songwriter. He has been working on his own album, which is set to be released later this year. You can hear his new single “Surrender” on iTunes and discover the uncanny talents of this artist by visiting www.vanonny.com. It is as intrinsic and original as the inspiration upon which it arrives. Orson Van Gay currently resides in Los Angeles, California.