The new building on Bismarckstraße had barely been inaugurated when he was already on stage here: baritone Gerd Feldhoff was to be one of the singers who remained associated with the Deutsche Oper Berlin for the rest of his life. After making his debut here in 1961 in the title role of Mozart's LE NOZZE DI FIGARO - then still in the interim venue at the Theater des Westens - Feldhoff became a permanent member of the ensemble in 1963. Conductor Karl Böhm quickly entrusted him with baritone roles in the serious repertoire, such as Barak in DIE FRAU OHNE SCHATTEN, which was to remain his favourite role for the rest of his life.

Gerd Feldhoff, here in his parade role as Barak © Harry Groner

 

And although invitations to New York, Munich and Vienna, Salzburg and Bayreuth followed, Feldhoff, who had completed an apprenticeship as a toolmaker before studying singing, remained loyal to the Deutsche Oper Berlin until his retirement from the stage in 1999: With his 1360 performances, including Wozzeck, Hans Sachs and Amfortas, Jochanaan, Pizarro and Wanderer, he left his mark on the theatre. Feldhoff, who also held the title of "Berliner Kammersänger" from 1970, died on 4 April at the age of 92. The Deutsche Oper Berlin will honour the memory of its long-time ensemble member.