Olga Balogh; Violinist in L.A. Philharmonic

Olga Mitana Balogh, violinist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic for 34 years, has died at the age of 79.

Mrs. Balogh died Thursday at her Los Angeles home of suspected esophageal cancer, said her son, violinist Endre Balogh.

The former Olga Mitana began playing with the Los Angeles Philharmonic in 1943. Five years later, she promoted the idea of combining the Philharmonic and the Hollywood Bowl Assn., and soon the Philharmonic was the orchestra performing every summer in the Hollywood Bowl.

In 1952, she married pharmacist Ferenc S. Balogh, an amateur singer and violinist. She was the first teacher for their only child, Endre.

Over more than three decades until her retirement in 1977, Mrs. Balogh performed with many major conductors. In addition to performing and recording with her Philharmonic colleagues, she performed with studio orchestras for movie soundtracks.

Born in Budapest, Mrs. Balogh grew up in Los Angeles and graduated from Los Angeles City College. She was a member of the California Music Teachers Assn. and taught privately.

She was also a magician, performing at various social gatherings.

In addition to her husband and son, Mrs. Balogh is survived by a granddaughter, Csilla.

Services are scheduled for 10 a.m. today at St. Stephen Catholic Church, 3705 Woodlawn Ave., Los Angeles.

The family has asked that any memorial contributions be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.