Frasier scholarship winners recital

Sisters Ruth (age 25) and Elizabeth (age 16) Kamas are recent winners of the San Jose Chapter AGO's annual Frasier scholarship. Not only did they each win the scholarship (Elizabeth in 2024, and Ruth in 2019), each was invited to perform a recital sponsored by the chapter. They collaborated to present an exciting and varied program on the tonally colorful 1986 3-manual Balcom and Vaughan organ at Sunnyvale Presbyterian Church. The recital was held on Sunday, February 16 at 4:00 pm. Elizabeth opened the concert with the famous Toccata and Fugue in d minor BWV 565 ascribed to J. S. Bach, and followed this monumental work with the beautiful, floating “Andante” by Elfrida Andrée. Next, Elizabeth played a compelling set of variations on the Lenten tune Aus tiefer Not by German composer Max Drischner, contrasted with the gentle Berceuse by French romantic composer Louis Vierne. The French romantic theme was continued with Ruth Kamas presenting the exciting Pièce Héroïque by César Franck. Elizabeth then returned to the console to lead 3 verses of hymn by Vaughan Williams, which everyone sang with gusto. She then played Grand Lothbury Voluntary by local composer Angela Kraft Cross, which provided bright and also melancholy variations on a march-like theme. The concert closed with a crowd favorite: Main Theme from Star Wars, for piano and organ duet. The Kamas family currently sends three siblings for organ lessons with AGO member Margaret Kvamme. They have attended Pipe Organ Encounters sponsored by the national AGO, and have also attended and volunteered at AGO conventions. Most recently, they all volunteered their expertise at the San Jose chapter’s Pedals, Pipes and Pizza event. Elizabeth plans to do a college major in music and astronomy, and Ruth is completing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, which she hopes will lead to work at a pipe organ building firm. 

(Web post contributed by Margaret Kvamme)