Orson Van Gay II is an American tenor whose warmth, expressiveness and commanding stage presence have distinguished his work across opera, concert and contemporary music. Praised by BroadwayWorld for a sound that is “fluent” with “golden” high notes, he brings an uncommon immediacy to repertoire ranging from the lyric repertoire to some of today’s most compelling new works.
In October 2026, Van Gay makes his London Symphony Orchestra debut in the world premiere of David Önaç’s Atlantic Requiem at LSO St Luke’s, conducted by Anthony Parnther. The engagement marks an important international debut in a season that also sees his return to LA Opera.
Recent operatic highlights include his debut in the title role of Faust with Heartbeat Opera in New York and his Jazz at Lincoln Center debut with MasterVoices as Laurese Glover in Blind Injustice, conducted by Ted Sperling. His performance in Blind Injustice drew particular acclaim, with New York Classical Review describing his aria as “show-stopping.” Other recent appearances include Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi with Opera Idaho and Handel’s Messiah with the New Jersey Symphony.
Van Gay has maintained an ongoing relationship with LA Opera, appearing across the company’s mainstage, concert and community programming. His work with the company has included Ramerrez in The Prospector and Bernard Curson in the world premiere of Figaro 90210!, alongside numerous concert appearances.
A committed interpreter of new American opera, Van Gay created the role of Raymond Santana in the 2019 world premiere of Anthony Davis and Richard Wesley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera The Central Park Five with Long Beach Opera. He returned to the role in 2022 and appears on the commercial recording, conducted by Anthony Parnther and released by Platoon in August 2026.
Van Gay’s repertoire also includes Rodolfo in La bohème, Alfredo in La traviata, Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore and Danilo in The Merry Widow, for which he received Pocket Opera’s inaugural Hurst Artist of the Year Award. His concert work has included Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Handel’s Messiah and appearances at Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
In 2023, Van Gay released his debut album, Colors of a Lyric, with pianist Lenny Hayes, featuring arias by Puccini, Verdi, Donizetti, Massenet, Mozart and Gounod. The recording reflects the warmth, lyricism and expressive range that have become hallmarks of his work.
Beyond the operatic and concert stage, Van Gay has worked as an actor in television, film and national commercial campaigns, including an appearance on Disney’s Coop & Cami Ask the World. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Performance from Old Dominion University.
In October 2026, Van Gay makes his London Symphony Orchestra debut in the world premiere of David Önaç’s Atlantic Requiem at LSO St Luke’s, conducted by Anthony Parnther. The engagement marks an important international debut in a season that also sees his return to LA Opera.
Recent operatic highlights include his debut in the title role of Faust with Heartbeat Opera in New York and his Jazz at Lincoln Center debut with MasterVoices as Laurese Glover in Blind Injustice, conducted by Ted Sperling. His performance in Blind Injustice drew particular acclaim, with New York Classical Review describing his aria as “show-stopping.” Other recent appearances include Rinuccio in Gianni Schicchi with Opera Idaho and Handel’s Messiah with the New Jersey Symphony.
Van Gay has maintained an ongoing relationship with LA Opera, appearing across the company’s mainstage, concert and community programming. His work with the company has included Ramerrez in The Prospector and Bernard Curson in the world premiere of Figaro 90210!, alongside numerous concert appearances.
A committed interpreter of new American opera, Van Gay created the role of Raymond Santana in the 2019 world premiere of Anthony Davis and Richard Wesley’s Pulitzer Prize-winning opera The Central Park Five with Long Beach Opera. He returned to the role in 2022 and appears on the commercial recording, conducted by Anthony Parnther and released by Platoon in August 2026.
Van Gay’s repertoire also includes Rodolfo in La bohème, Alfredo in La traviata, Nemorino in L’elisir d’amore and Danilo in The Merry Widow, for which he received Pocket Opera’s inaugural Hurst Artist of the Year Award. His concert work has included Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Handel’s Messiah and appearances at Carnegie Hall and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
In 2023, Van Gay released his debut album, Colors of a Lyric, with pianist Lenny Hayes, featuring arias by Puccini, Verdi, Donizetti, Massenet, Mozart and Gounod. The recording reflects the warmth, lyricism and expressive range that have become hallmarks of his work.
Beyond the operatic and concert stage, Van Gay has worked as an actor in television, film and national commercial campaigns, including an appearance on Disney’s Coop & Cami Ask the World. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Vocal Performance from Old Dominion University.