This May 2010 production of Massenet's 1910 opera "Don Quichotte" marked the opera's centenary and also Jose Van Dam's operatic farewell at the Theatre de la Monnaie, Brussels. It is beautiful in every way--vocally, scenically, sonically, and visually--and a worthy record of Van Dam's farewell. Van Dam is just shy of 70 in this production, but you would never guess it from his singing or stage movements--a consummate artist. His is a noble portrayal and deeply moving. The Act V death scene is a model of beautiful singing and acting.

Cast

José van Dam

Don Quichotte

Marc Minkowski

Conductor

Silvia Tro Santafé

Dulcinee

Werner Van Mechelen

Sancho Panza

Julie Mossay

Pedro

Camille Mercks

Garcias

Gijs Van Der Linden

Juan

Vincent Delhoume

Rodriguez

Bernard Villiers

Chef de Bandits