Melius Christiansen
(1871-1955)
Inducted in 1989
Melius Christiansen was born in Eidsvold, Norway and came to the United States at the age of 17 and settled in Washburn, Wisconsin with a brother and quickly became known as a fine young musician- especially on the violin. In 1903 he was appointed the Director of Music at St. Olaf College in Northfield. In 1910 he formed the famous St. Olaf Choir. The choir traveled and performed all around the world. At the time of this retirement, Christiansen had been Knighted in Norway, received four doctorate degrees, and had composed or arranged over 600 songs. He then turned the baton over to his son Paul at St. Olaf College.
