Organ Celebrities 24. MARIA KUMAGAI

Who was MARIA KUMAGAI, and where is she now? A brief but musically enchanting story about a lady who travelled to the USA from her native home of Japan, specifically to learn to play the theatre organ, but who, after making such an amazing impact on the concert circuit, has disappeared. Do you know where she is?

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Music

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[Kiddman32]

Wow... I've been a theatre-organ fan since the 70's, and have rarely heard playing like THAT! Absolutely riveting!

I vaguely remember having heard Maria Kumagai's name somewhere, sometime in the past, but I don't know where or when.

Thanks for the research and the examples of her fine playing!

[gramrfone]

@Kiddman32 I couldn't agree more. A huge loss to the world of organ music when she decided to return home. One can only imagine just how she would have progressed. I'm just hoping she might see this and that someone knows of her whereabouts.

[kunfoo77]

Another wonderful video!I have her four LPs and have always wondered if there any more recordings by her.Thanks for answering my question.I await your next video.Your work is appreciated!

[gramrfone]

@kunfoo77 Sadly there are no more of her recordings other than those in the with private collectors who would have taped them at her concerts. I had the privilege of spending some time in her company when she came to Manchester. She told me the story of when Bill Thomson was tutoring her & called her a 'dumb broad' ...believing her command of English was not enough to understand him. She replied 'I no dumb broad!'. I hope someone knows where she is, & that she might get in touch. Such talent!

[paulj0557]

If someone has any of her records or recordings it would be great to hear them. Uploading is easy.