Singer Spotlight: Michael Orlinsky

Tell us a little about yourself! Where are you from? What is your educational and musical background?

I'm a tenor, currently living in the Bay Area. I studied at the University of Las Vegas for my undergrad, and did a Masters at North Park University in Chicago. I started in contemporary music as a songwriter, and formed a band out of High School. I started to study music to have a better understanding of it, and got involved in opera through the music program at UNLV. After finishing my Masters Degree, I moved to the San Francisco Bay Area to be closer to family, and have established myself in the area as a Classical Singer. About a year ago I joined a band, and since then I've played with a few bands. I've even formed my own band that plays my own music, but I still maintain a healthy classical career, as well!

What is one thing you wish you had known as a young singer and why?

Relationships are hard to maintain in this field. Success means a lot of traveling, and having to be "on" both on and off-stage, a lot.

Tell us about an obstacle you have faced during your career and how you overcame it.

Scheduling conflicts has generally been an issue. I've learned several times that it's very important to be super up-front about conflicts within a rehearsal schedule as soon as possible. So, I try to be over-informative now when entering a contract. It's easier to negotiate before their schedule is developed.

What is one role or piece you could perform over and over and never get tired of?

Gianni Schicchi. It's a comedy, and it's short, but it's packed full of material.

If you could only give one piece of advice to a young singer, what would it be?

Get used to rejection, and don't take it personally. To counter the constant rejection, you've gotta be pounding the pavement for those gigs.

Is there anything you spent too much time stressing over that didn't end up being a big deal?

Asking for what I need. I often think that I can power through the music, and do physically demanding staging, etc. When a director asked something of me, I felt as though it was a challenge, and I love challenges. Sometimes it's better to just say no. Same goes for saying no to opportunities that don't serve you.

Where can we catch you performing next?

I'm performing around the SF Bay Area with my bands all summer! The Rabbit Hole Orchestra, and Your Stray Dog!