José Miguel is a promising, versatile, and passionate young tenor. Born in the picturesque wine-centric city of Santa Cruz, Chile, he takes immense pride in merging his Latin sensibilities with a wide range of classical and popular repertoire. Through his vibrant lyric voice, José Miguel creates an enchanting and unique ambiance that deeply resonates with listeners. This innate ability to forge a deep connection with audiences through heartfelt interpretations has earned him widespread admiration and acclaim.
Based in the United States, José Miguel holds a prestigious Doctor of Musical Arts (D.M.A.) degree in Vocal Performance from the University of Utah. During his time there, he excelled as a distinguished member of the renowned Marriott Graduate Vocal Quartet, imparting his expertise as a sought-after voice instructor and teaching the seminar "The World of Opera."
Celebrated for his unforgettable portrayals, José Miguel has brought iconic characters to life on stage, exploring the complexities of roles such as Rodolfo in Puccini's La Bohème and the captivating Duke in Verdi's Rigoletto. From Costa Rica to Trinidad and Tobago, Puerto Rico to Austria and Italy, José Miguel's artistry has fascinated audiences worldwide.
In the summer of 2022, José Miguel unveiled his beloved project, "Arias of the Vine," an exceptional series of intimate concerts. Acting as a musical sommelier, he meticulously curated delightful wines, thoughtfully paired with exquisite repertoire. The inaugural edition of this unique venture, set against the lovely backdrop of Lodi, California, left audiences yearning for an encore.
José Miguel's artistic vision extends beyond his exceptional vocal abilities, encompassing his remarkable talent as a stage director. In 2021, he made his directorial debut with Falla's El retablo de maese Pedro, driven by his personal mission to promote and bring Hispanic works to life.
Currently, José Miguel is wholly committed to his freelance career, diligently pursuing his own professional development, strategizing new renditions of "Arias of the Vine," and mentoring aspiring and professional singers through his esteemed private voice studio.
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“This Is My Box,” sung by King Kaspar (Santelices) leaves the audience in fits of laughter.” (December, 2019)
“Laurentian Singer alumnus José Santelices Ormazábal, now at the University of Utah pursuing a doctorate in opera performance, will join his former choir as soloist in the Siskind.” (February, 2020)
“Our own José Santelices Ormazábal ’17, who is now studying opera performance at the University of South Florida, will be the tenor soloist singing the part of the shepherd” (November, 2017)
“Senior tenor José Miguel Santelices Ormazábal ’17 of Santa Cruz, Chile, […] will be featured in a song from the zarzuela (Spanish operetta) Luisa Fernanda.” (March, 2017)
“[…] and José Miguel Santelices Ormazábal ’19, who sang lead voice on the Cuban rumba “Tenth World,” a piece that also featured what can only be described as a killer bongo solo by Wind Ensemble Director Kyle Tupper.” (December, 2016)
“This fellowship was a time in which I learned and internalized habits that will help me in my career as a performing artist.” (September, 2016)
“These students were inducted into the Department’s honorary society, The Ives Society […]. Following the formal induction, they rang the Chapel bells and joined the Department in a celebratory supper.” (February, 2016)
