He made his debut in 1952, worked at the Veitvet Music Academy between 1959 and 1973, and at the Opera College in 1968. From 1973, he was a lecturer at the Norwegian Academy, then associate professor from 1974.[1]
He met Arve Tellefsen in the 1960s and the two had a co-operation that lasted 25 years. They also performed with Knutsen & Ludvigsen. He recorded Du milde Mosart (1977) with Tellefsen and Knutsen & Ludvigsen and Serenade (1980) with Tellefsen. The latter stayed for 12 weeks on the VG-list in 1980 and 1981. He is especially remembered for the song "Spæll på fiolin" from Du Milde Mozart where he sang a recurring strofe.[2]
Ørnung also played in many concerts organized by Rikskonsertene. He often performed in radio and television programmes.[3]
Ørnung died on 2 October 2013, aged 82, in Oslo.[3]
