Laszlo Varga, Cellist for the New York Philharmonic, Is Dead at 89

Laszlo Varga, a Hungarian-born musician and teacher who escaped a Nazi work camp to become principal cellist for the New York Philharmonic under the batons of Dimitri Mitropoulos and Leonard Bernstein, died on Dec. 11 at his home in Sarasota, Fla. He was 89. He died several days after a fall had precipitated a stroke, his son Michael said. In a long career, Mr. Varga applied his virtuosic skills to solo performances, orchestral playing and ensemble work. As a young man he lost his position as first-chair cellist of the Budapest Symphony in a purge of Jews. He came to the United States afterWorld War II as a member of a celebrated ensemble, the Lener Quartet, and in 1948 he joined the New York City Opera orchestra. In 1951 he auditioned for the Philharmonic and was named principal cellist, replacing Leonard Rose. Mr. Varga remained in the post for 11 years under Mr. Mitropoulos and his successor as music director, Mr. Bernstein. He made his Philharmonic debut as a soloist in November 1
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