ACDA National Wall of Fame

In 2005, the American Choral Directors Association began a tradition of honoring choral directors who, during the course of their lives, left an indelible mark on the choral world. Those chosen for this honor are remembered in tribute at the ACDA biennial conference on a wall that is erected in their honor--the ACDA National Wall of Fame. Photographs and a short biography highlighting each individual's contribution hang on this wall for the duration of the conference. The person then becomes a permanent member of the wall. This is a rare honor that is bestowed only upon those who are recognized on a national or international level and who have contributed immeasurably to the choral arts.

The following ACDA-MN members are honored on the ACDA National Wall of Fame:

Olaf C. Christiansen (1901-1984)

Olaf, brother of Paul, succeeded his father, F. Melius Christiansen as conductor of the St. Olaf Choir.  The straight tone that was used by his father was changed into what he called a “controlled vibrato.”  Olaf said, “…all St. Olaf students have striven for perfection, not for its own sake, but to eliminate distractions from the music and text and to make the  religious message the central purpose of the concert.”  Another time he wrote,  “…songs, like love letters, carry additional meanings between the lines that are important to interpretation of the text.”

Paul J. Christiansen (1914-1997)

Paul Christiansen, son of the great F. Meluis Christiansen, and brother of Olaf Christiansen rose to international prominence as conductor of the  Concordia Choir of Concordia College, Moorhead, MN.   Rene Clausen, who succeeded him as conductor of that choir said, “The gift of Paul Christiansen derives from his uncanny ability to create music that directly penetrates to the heart of its listeners.”

Leland B. Sateren (1913-2007)

Leland B. Sateren, the son of Norwegian immigrants, was an internationally known choral musician, composer, conductor, educator, author and administrator.  His influence impacted the choral music field throughout the world.  Among his many honors was the St. Olaf Medal, awarded to him by King Olav of Norway in 1971.  Sateren was a man of strong opinions who brought integrity, quality, and musicality to the Augsburg College Choir.  He was known for his strong opinions, but was also known to willingly listen to new ideas.

Paul O. Manz (1919-2009)

As a composer, cantor and organist, Paul Manz made significant contributions to church choral music. A life-long teacher and parish musician, his music was shared with the greater community through imaginative choral compositions and especially via his creative and energetic leadership of hymn festivals nationally.  His choral compositions are sung throughout the world, especially his much loved anthem “E’en So, Lord Jesus, Quickly Come.”  Many volumes of his organ improvisations on hymn tunes are standard repertoire for thousands of church organists nationally and internationally.