A Tribute to José van Dam

José van Dam (August 25, 1940 – February 17, 2026) was among the most distinguished bass-baritones of the late twentieth century, known for his humility, the elegance of his singing, and the psychological depth of his stage portrayals. His artistry combined a dark, noble timbre with exceptional dramatic nuance, earning him a reputation as a refined singing actor. A native of Belgium, he rose to international prominence in the late 1960s and soon became a regular guest at the world’s great stages, including the Royal Opera, Metropolitan Opera, La Scala, Wiener Staatsoper, Deutsche Oper Berlin, Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie, and the Salzburg Festival. His celebrated roles include Escamillo in Carmen, Golaud in Pelléas et Mélisande, and the title role in The Flying Dutchman. He was also a leading Mozartian, recitalist, and orchestral soloist performing extensively with leading orchestras and conductors. Ryan Opera Center bass-baritone Benjamin R. Sokol joins WFMT to survey van Dam’s recorded legacy in this special episode paying tribute to a legendary artist.