William Gorton

• Apprentice Artist, Santa Fe Opera
• Finalist, Merola Opera Program Auditions
• Finalist, National Opera Association Auditions
• AGMA Section Leader, San Francisco Symphony Chorus

Dr. William Gorton, tenor, has performed extensively in venues on the West Coast and sung numerous engagements around the USA and Europe. A solid and versatile singer, he has appeared with Opera Pacific, Festival Opera, Sacramento Opera, Rogue Opera, Pacific Repertory Opera, Orchestra X of Houston, Opera Santa Barbara, the Stockton Symphony in Britten’s Serenade for Tenor, Horn & Strings, the Opera Center of the San Francisco Opera, among others, and has recorded with the Russian National Orchestra. William's repertoire comprises a large number of lyric tenor roles. He has sung over two dozen roles in thirty-five productions with the above companies.

William’s interpretive artistry has been enjoyed by audiences of the San Francisco Opera Guild and the San Francisco Opera Center in gala concerts, as well as of the Hampton Recital Foundation in Schumann’s Dichterliebe and songs of Richard Strauss. Handel’s Messiah performances such as the nationally acclaimed festival at Bethany College in Kansas, which included Bach’s St. Matthew Passion, were broadcast statewide. Oratorio credits include many works, such as Verdi's and Mozart’s requiems, Puccini's Messa di gloria, and Beethoven’s Missa Solemnis.

William is the recipient of several awards, including Finalist in the National Opera Association competition and Merola Opera Program auditions, and Apprentice Artist with the Santa Fe Opera. His latest roles include Alfred in Die Fledermaus with Arizona State University Opera Program, and Rodolfo in La Boheme, with Muddy River Opera company in Quincy, IL. A recent Good Friday performance as the Evangelist in Bob Chilcott's St. John's Passion was realized at 10th Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia. After receiving his DMA in Conducting from ASU, he taught studio voice and opera at Millikin University.

“The production’s strongest fusion of vocal and dramatic strength comes from William Gorton as Edgardo, the tragedy’s other victim. His presence is virile, his voice is big and true, and his gestures, expressions and movements follow the basic rule that Shakespeare laid down in ‘Hamlet’: "Suit the action to the word.." -- Leo Stutzin, the Modesto Bee

“Gorton was a marvel as Don José. He gives the role a truly tragic stature rather than the irresponsible loser that character can sometimes appear. His voice is strong, well-nuanced and communicative.” -- Sherman Spencer, The Stockton Record

"William, You were wonderful in the role of Rodolfo - our audiences were totally captivated. Many members of our orchestra and audience were moved to tears during your performance. Cheers!" -- Joyce Johnson-Hamilton, Diablo Symphony