Polish opera singer Andrzej Klimczak has died in Warsaw after a long illness at 65.

The Polish Royal Opera, which served as director and co-founded announced the news stating, “It is with great sorrow that we bid farewell to Andrzej Klimczak – co-founder of the Polish Royal Opera, its general manager from 2019 to 2024, singer and director, but for many of us, above all, a friend, colleague, and mentor. He was a true man of the stage, an extraordinary artist whose performances in countless operas by Mozart and Rossini, both baroque and contemporary works, will forever remain in the memory and hearts of music lovers. We will remember him as a warm, approachable person with a sharp wit, always deeply dedicated to his work. We will miss you dearly, Director. To his grieving family and loved ones, we extend our heartfelt condolences.”

Klimczak studied at the Music Academy in Wrocław and graduated in 1987. Following his studies he joined the Warsaw Chamber Opera. He went on to perform for three decades and appeared in over 50 leading bass-baritone roles. Among the roles he was well known were the title roles in Mozart’s “Don Giovanni” and “The Marriage of Figaro,” and Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin.”

He went on to found the Polish Royal Opera and served as director from 2019 to 2024. He went on to receive the Knight’s Cross of the Polonia Restituta Order and the Golden Cross of Merit.