Michael Torpey, a trained operatic tenor and classical vocalist, has been singing professionally throughout the country for many years.

Born and raised in the shadow of New York City, Michael, a cousin of the writer, has performed with the Purchase, N.Y., symphony orchestra, where he had principal roles as Tamino in "Die Zauberflote," Eisenstein in "Die Fledermaus," and Don Attavio in "Don Giovanni."

Under the batons of Maestro Kurt Masur and Vincent La Selvam, Michael has performed with the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and the New York Grand Opera at such venues as Carnegie Hall and Madison Square Garden. He studied under Jacques Trussel at the Suny Purchase Conservatory of Music.

Mr. Torpey has performed as a guest artist at the Bellagio and Paris hotels in Las Vegas, Nev., as well as on the Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Princess cruise lines.

Michael is the tenor soloist at Mt. Kisco Presbyterian Church . He made his debut performance with the Opera Company of the Highlands, and appeared as a solo vocalist on Joe Franklin's Memory Lane radio program from New York City.

In his extensive chamber, recital and concert work, Mr. Torpey has shared the stage with many extraordinary talents, including Dawn Upshaw, Thomas Hampson, Jacque Trussel, Bradley Brookshire, Anthony Newman and Mary-Jane Newman. In addition, he performed in the world premiere of Anthony Newman's National Hymn and Lee Hoiby's "For You O Democracy."

A versatile singer and actor, Mr. Torpey's credits in musical and dramatic theater include Laser Wolf in "Fiddler on the Roof," Val in "Babes in Arms," the Cowardly Lion in the "Wizard of Oz," the Tin Man in "The Wiz," Harold Hill in "The Music Man," Charlie Dalrymple in "Brigadoon," Jonathan in "Arsenic and Old Lace," Grampa Martin Vanderhof in "You Can't Take It With You," Audry II in "Little Shop of Horrors" and Fegin in "Oliver."

Mr. Torpey has appeared as Eisenstein in the Opera Company of the Highlands' production of "Die Fledermaus," The Mohonk Mountain Resort, and Broadway Concerts Direct production of "Simple Gifts" with Sarah Rice (The original Joanna) in the Broadway production of "Sweeney Todd."

Most recently, Mr. Torpey appeared as Ravenal in the Opera Company of the Highlands' production of "Show Boat" and as their stage and technical director for "Amahl and the Night Visitors" in addition to his roles as lead tenor soloist and instructor at Mt. Kisco Presbyterian Church.

I write my views on a wide variety of topics on HubPages. You can, too. It's easy, and free! Get paid for writing about what you love, or whatever interests you! HubPages makes the technical part easy. Make friends and get help on its active forum. Take a quick tour to see how easy it is to get started today Click Here -- To view my HubPages Profile Click Here