Belgian opera legend José Van Dam, celebrated as one of the greatest bass-baritones of his generation, passed away on Tuesday, February 17th, at the age of 85. Van Dam, born in Brussels on August 25, 1940, had a distinguished career spanning fifty years, with his most iconic performances at La Monnaie in Brussels, including roles in "Don Carlo," "Pelléas et Mélisande," and "Falstaff." His farewell performance in Massenet's "Don Quichotte" in 2010 was broadcast live from Brussels' Grand Place. Discovered by Herbert von Karajan in 1968, Van Dam's career also saw him perform extensively with the Berlin Philharmonic and at the Salzburg Festival. He was recognized with numerous awards and was ennobled by King Albert II of Belgium in 1998.