Belgian operatic legend José van Dam has died at the age of 85, multiple news outlets are reporting. The acclaimed bass-baritone, known for a career spanning decades and performances on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, passed away on February 19, 2026.
Van Dam’s illustrious career included over 150 opera roles, often world premieres, and performances at venues including La Scala in Milan and the Metropolitan Opera in New York. He was celebrated for his interpretations of roles in operas such as Falstaff, Simon Boccanegra, Don Giovanni, and Boris Godunov, according to VRT.
Beyond the opera house, van Dam also appeared in films, including “Le maître de musique” and Joseph Losey’s “Don Giovanni.”
The singer’s performances weren’t limited to the stage; he also lent his voice to significant national events, singing at the funerals of both King Baudouin and Queen Fabiola, as well as at the wedding of King Philippe and Queen Mathilde, Soirmag reports.
Van Dam retired from performing in 2010, giving a final performance at La Monnaie in Brussels, where he had sung for 30 years. He remained active in the music world as a teacher and juror for the Queen Elisabeth Competition for Singing.
In 2024, van Dam was honored with the International Opera Award for Lifetime Achievement, recognized as “a true icon who has inspired the opera world for decades,” VRT noted. The award was presented by Serge Dorny, the Belgian director of the Bavarian State Opera, who called him a “master singer” and a “living European treasure.”
Born in Brussels on August 25, 1940, Joseph, Baron Van Damme, as he was formally known, was described as having “a magnificent resonant and expressive voice” and being “an excellent actor,” according to Wikipedia. His passing marks the end of an era for opera enthusiasts worldwide, and solidifies his legacy as one of Belgium’s most celebrated musical figures.
