José van Dam, Renowned Opera Star, Dies at 85

The Belgian bass-baritone was known for his suave voice, persuasive acting, and wide-ranging repertoire.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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José van Dam, one of the most esteemed opera singers of his era, died on Tuesday at the age of 85. Over a half-century career, the Belgian bass-baritone delighted audiences with his performances in major operas by composers like Mozart, Wagner, Verdi, and Messiaen. Known for his disciplined approach and ability to take on a broad repertoire, van Dam sustained his voice into his later years and was celebrated for his elegant and satisfying singing.

Why it matters

Van Dam was considered one of the leading opera singers of his generation, known for his versatility in taking on a wide range of complex and demanding roles. His long and acclaimed career spanned decades and genres, from the major operatic works to less frequently performed pieces, cementing his legacy as a revered figure in the classical music world.

The details

Van Dam began his career in the 1960s, making his debut in Liège as Don Basilio in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville.' He went on to perform at major opera houses around the world, including the Paris Opera, the Deutsche Oper in Berlin, and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Over the course of his career, he took on a broad repertoire that included roles in operas by Mozart, Wagner, Verdi, Strauss, Gounod, and Messiaen, among others. He was particularly acclaimed for his portrayals of complex characters like Mozart's Don Giovanni and Wagner's Flying Dutchman.

  • Van Dam made his debut in Liège as Don Basilio in Rossini's 'The Barber of Seville' in 1960.
  • He signed a contract with the Paris Opera in 1960 and worked there for four years.
  • Van Dam joined the Deutsche Oper in Berlin in 1968, where he became an audience favorite over the next eight years.
  • He made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in 1975 as Escamillo in Bizet's 'Carmen'.
  • Van Dam created the title role in Messiaen's 'St. François d'Assise' at its premiere in 1983.

The players

José van Dam

A Belgian bass-baritone opera singer who was considered one of the most esteemed singers of his era, known for his suave voice, persuasive acting, and wide-ranging repertoire that spanned major works by composers like Mozart, Wagner, and Messiaen.

Frédéric Anspach

A singer and well-known pedagogue at the Brussels Conservatory who was van Dam's only voice teacher.

Herbert von Karajan

The renowned conductor of the Berlin Philharmonic who hired van Dam to sing in productions of 'Fidelio' and developed a long, fruitful relationship with the singer.

Georg Solti

The acclaimed conductor who led a production of Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro' at the Paris Opera in 1973 that featured van Dam in the title role.

Olivier Messiaen

The French composer whose epic opera 'St. François d'Assise' featured van Dam in the title role at its premiere in 1983.

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What they’re saying

“You can sing it 200 or 300 times, yet you have to work every time to understand it.”

— José van Dam (Interview with Bruce Duffie (1981)

“The most important thing is that the day I stop singing, people will say, 'It's too bad van Dam is no longer singing,' instead of 'It's too bad van Dam continues to sing.'”

— José van Dam (Interview with La Scena Musicale)

“Mr. van Dam, who has been St. Francis in every staged performance so far, sings with unswerving force. He sounds like a dark, low trumpet, always there to the full, always secure.”

— Paul Griffiths, Music Critic (The New York Times)

The takeaway

José van Dam's long and acclaimed career as a versatile and disciplined opera singer, known for his ability to take on a wide range of complex and demanding roles, cemented his legacy as one of the most esteemed vocalists of his generation. His commitment to his craft and his sustained vocal prowess into his later years made him a revered figure in the classical music world.