“A prolific composer, Dr. Liljestrand wrote hymns, service music and anthems for both full choir and women’s voices. A master accompanist, he went on many tours with bass-baritone Simon Estes and accompanied many other professional musicians at their recitals. He was noted for his organ improvisations and gave many dedicatory organ recitals.”
from http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/northjersey/obituary.aspx?pid=148792760
Family:
- Born in Montclair, NJ on May 15, 1931
- Died in Thomasville, GA on February 17, 2011
- Son of Conrad and Ethel Liljestrand
- Former resident of Harrington Park, NJ
- Married to Rae D Liljestrand
- Two sons: Christian (married to Beth) and Stephen (married to Karin)
Education:
- Began studying piano early in life and studied privately before entering college
- BA and Masters, Julliard School
- Two years in Japan with US Army
- Master’s Degree in Sacred Music, Union Theological Seminary
Places of Employment:
- Chaplain’s assistant, US Army in Japan (2 years)
- Organist and choir director, Union Congregational Church, Montclair NJ (9 years)
- Organist and choir director, Brookdale Baptist Church, Bloomfield, NJ (9 years)
- Chairman of the Music Department, Northeastern Bible College (5 years)
- Organist and choir director, Calvary Baptist Church, NYC (30 years)
- Chairman of the Music Department, Nyack College (10 years)
- Organist and choir director, St. Thomas Episcopal Church, Thomasville, GA
- Organist and choir director, Trinity Anglican Church, Thomasville, GA (8 years)
Teaching:
- Taught piano, organ, and composition (sacred music)
- Conductor of the Nyack College Chorale (led groups to Ukraine, East Berlin, Poland, France, and Spain
- Founder of Thomasville Singers
Hobbies:
- Painting in oils; featured in exhibitions
“Dr. Paul Liljestrand’s impact on the School of Music is legendary. During his tenure at Nyack, beyond his role as an educator, he was a mentoring and loving presence for students and faculty alike.”