In Memoriam,
Jens Nygaard–
Pianist, Conductor,
Friend of Yamaha

ens Nygaard, gifted pianist, conductor, self-described “maverick outsider” and one of New York’s most tenacious musical personalities, passed away September 24 at the age of 69 after a long illness. Born in rural Arkansas, Nygaard was a child prodigy who mastered nearly every orchestral instrument, graduating from the Juilliard School in 1958 with a master’s degree in piano performance after failing to obtain a place in the conducting program.

He tirelessly pursued his aspirations of conducting, organizing concerts in the city’s churches and underprivileged areas while battling homelessness, illness and a largely indifferent New York musical establishment before establishing the Jupiter Symphony in 1979. For two decades, the symphony delighted audiences and earned Nygaard overdue critical acclaim with energetic performances and eclectic repertory.

Cape of Good Hope Jim Wilson Willow Bay Music Jim Wilson’s music is always a very personal statement, mixing elements of pop, new age, and an easy-going keyboard style. Lylatove Alain Lefèvre Koch International Classics The first of Lefèvre’s CDs to include his own compositions. This recording marks a new era for this important young pianist.   Dazzle and Nostalgia: Cello Favorites Michele Levin pianist Close Encounters with Music Cellist Yehuda Hanani and pianist Michele Levin perform sentimental gems in a beautiful, high-definition recording. For information about these and other superb recordings featuring the Yamaha CFIIIS, please contact Jonathan Schultz at: Jschltzpro@aol.com or (203) 797-1127.

According to his companion, Ms. Mei Ying, Nygaard ran the symphony on a shoestring, once paying a musician with subway tokens and a volume of Shakespeare. His life and work were the subject of a recent PBS documentary, Life on Jupiter.

Nygaard enjoyed a long relationship with Yamaha, using a CFIIIS concert grand piano in many performances. Jim Wooten, director of Yamaha Artist Services in New York, observes, “Jens generously expressed his devotion to both our staff and the company. His individuality and special gifts will be greatly missed in the New York music community.