Weston Noble

Weston H. Noble was a distinguished music educator and conductor known for his leadership at Luther College, where he directed the Nordic Choir and Concert Band for 57 years. After retiring, he held guest professorships at institutions like Carthage College and Wartburg College. Renowned globally, he conducted over 900 festivals across five continents, performing at prestigious venues such as Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall.

Born in rural Iowa, Noble began his musical journey playing instruments and studying music. During World War II, he served as a tank driver, notably liberating artifacts including a Beethoven bust from the Bonn Academy of Music.

Post-military service, he taught high school before joining Luther College. There, he elevated the Nordic Choir to international acclaim. Noble's accolades include the Robert Lawson Shaw Citation, Distinguished Service Award from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Norway's St. Olav's Medal. He also received honorary doctorates from Augustana College, St. Olaf College, Westminster Choir College, and Carthage College.

Noble's legacy is marked by his significant contributions to choral music education and international conducting, earning him the Weston H. Noble Award for Lifetime Achievement in Choral Art.