Udo Karl Holdorf

As a young boy, Udo sang soprano in the school choir. Every day he walked past the graves of Beethoven and Schumann.

He learned the trade of tile layer, and while singing on the job, was discovered and, after auditioning, was offered a contract with the Bonn Opera. He studied at the Hochschule für Musik Köln with Joseph Metternich.

There he met Janet. A concert pianist continuing her studies on a Fulbright Scholarship. Udo and Janet married in 1971.

Under contract at thecWürzburg Opera, Udo was offered a life-long contract at the Deutsche Oper am Rhein in Düsseldorf.

His primary roles were Herodes in Salome, Hauptmann in Wozzeck, Balthazar Zorn in Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg at the Bayreuth Wagner Festival for 9 seasons and many other roles.

He traveled to 15 countries, singing in 42 cities, including the Dutch National Opera, Teatro Colon in Buenos Aires, and in Rio de Janeiro. Udo moved to Minneapolis after retiring in 2011.

Udo had a wonderful life with Basset Hounds, friends and family and 54 years of marriage with Janet. He is survived by Janet, her sisters Sally (Steve) Daniel, Carolyn (Steve) Adamson, necessary and nephews Greg, Rachel, Elise, and Morgan as well as grand nephews and great-grand nephews.

memorial service

Memorial Service

May 8, 2025

Incarnation Lutheran Church 4880 Hodgson Rd, St Paul, MN 55126, USA

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services