the Documentary

The Legacy of Jens Nygaard, renegade conductor of his Jupiter Symphony orchestra, tells the inspiring story of a prodigy turned professional musician who endured mental illness and establishment rejection to become a legend within his own lifetime and now, long after his demise.

Independent documentary filmmaker Martin Spinelli has made a one-hour video program that brings Nygaard’s hard-won success story to film. The musical portrait documents performances from Beethoven to Gershwin and interviews with performers, students, critics, and supporters. Nygaard speaks of his life and career with charm, candor, and his inimitable enthusiasm. Even when discussing his battle with multiple myeloma, Nygaard exudes a telegenic charisma.