Opera Steve

Steven Santiago, Puerto Rican, Bronx native began his musical endeavors at the early age of seven, by taking piano lessons and performing in routine recitals. Like many children his age, Steven was a member of the Boys Club of America. It was there that his love for singing was exhibited in the role of President Roosevelt, in the classic children’s musical Annie. In the years to come, Steven’s love for singing would soon grow to become his passion. His eagerness to learn about the study of song have led him to private vocal lessons in Westchester, New York, under the direction and supervision of
Dr. Edwin Lubin, as well as to classical training courses in the world renowned, Julliard School of Performing Arts in New York City. Through the efforts of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Steven was given the honor of performing two songs a cappella in Kansas City, for an audience of over 2,000 people. In 1999, Steven earned a scholarship to the Spoleto Arts Symposium. This allowed Steven the opportunity to study in Spoleto, Italy for over a month’s time. While in Italy, Steven performed a number of recitals in various opera houses across the Italian countryside. Steven earned the opportunity to study and perform in Italy, again in July 2003. After returning home, Steven continued his professional singing career performing under the stage name ‘Opera Steve.’

His operatic style and powerful voice can be heard on several hip-hop albums fusing together the beauty of classical opera with the popular hip-hop beats of today. Some of his most notable appearances include his solo debut on the song “Off with his Head,” from the platinum selling album, Yeah Baby, by the late, Hispanic, hip-hop pioneer, Big Pun, the collaboration “Monster Music,” by platinum recording artist Juelz Santana, and the hit single, “Killa Cam,” by platinum recording artist Cam’ron, with whom he performed live at the Beacon Theater in New York City, as well as on the Pay-Per-View event, “Harlem’s Homecoming” at the Apollo Theater. Additionally, Steven has been featured on several commercially released projects with artists such as RZA (Wu-Tang Clan), Capicu, CL Smooth, Capone (Capone-N-Noreaga), and The Heatmakerz.

Although most of Steven’s current musical productions have been hip-hop collaborations, he is also a Professional Classical Acoustic Singer. His classical appearances include St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City in honor of Pope John Paul II, Poet’s Den Theatre also in New York City under the directorship of Luis Menendez, and the annual Bronx Ball. Additionally, Bronx Borough President Adolfo Carrión Jr. bestowed the honor upon Steven to perform the National Anthem at his State Borough Address and inauguration ceremonies. Steven is currently extending his career into the realm of adult contemporary popular music, and leaving his classical mark on the heart of the Latin pop music culture across the globe.