Forget the karate action: Van Dam a master of bass-baritone

By Jim Schiff

Daily Arts Writer

Internationally acclaimed bass-baritone Jose Van Dam makes his debut under UMS auspices at the Lydia Mendelssohn theatre Friday night. Performing some of the works of Schumann, Faure, Duparc and Poulenc, Van Dam is known for taking on diverse roles and performing them with immaculate artistry.

Entering the Brussels Conservatory at age 17, Van Dam set out on an accomplished career filled with awards and lavish praise. In two of his earlier roles, he played Don Basilio in Rossini's "The Barber of Seville," and Escamillo in Bizet's "Carmen." Some of his most widely known parts include Falstaff, Don Giovanni, the Flying Dutchman and the title role in Oliver Messiaen's "St. Francois de Assise" at the Paris Opera.

One of the most requested singers of the bass-baritone repertoire, he has frequented esteemed operas such as Vienna State Opera, San Francisco Opera and Lyric Opera of Chicago. At the Metropolitan Opera this year, Van Dam will have the opportunity to play his favorite character, Golaud in Debussy's "Pelleas et Melisande."

"He is a very human character, who shows problems that all of us face," Van Dam said.

He has found equal success both on stage and off. Van Dam is a two-time Grammy winner, earning one in 1992 for principal soloist in Best Opera Recording, and the other in 1985 for recording the songs of Maurice Ravel. Also, he has starred in two films: "The Music Teacher" and "Don Giovanni."

Van Dam finds working in movies to be a rewarding experience. "The best thing for me in playing movies is that you speak with the public, the opera public," he said. "It's flattering to me when people see the movies and care about the music."

Friday's performance represents a joining of French opera and German leider. The first part of the evening will have works by Schumann, with the rest featuring French composers. This program has a special significance to Van Dam, whose native language is French, but spent eight years performing in Berlin. He said, "the French songs and the German lieder in the same recital is one of the most beautiful things you can hear."

In addition with his family and friends, Van Dam draws inspiration from the roles he portrays. "When on stage," he said, "it is important to know what you play, pain and love and joy." At what is sure to be one of the year's highlights, Jose Van Dam will hopefully inspire the audience as well, showcasing his extraordinary talent and fondness for opera.