José van Dam, Suave and Riveting Opera Star, Dies at 85

One of the most esteemed singers of his era, he had a wide repertoire that included Mozart, Wagner and the title role in Messiaen’s epic “St. François d’Assise.”

​One of the most esteemed singers of his era, he had a wide repertoire that included Mozart, Wagner and the title role in Messiaen’s epic “St. François d’Assise.”