Bela
Béla Raphael Balogh started performing on the violin at the age of four under the tutelage of his father, a touring Hungarian concert violinist and symphony conductor, and his grandfather, leader of a Hungarian Gypsy ensemble. His classical musical education continued at Maryhurst University with violin instructor Sr. Jeanette Wood, and composition legend Sr. Anne Cecile Daigle.

After a brief hiatus from classical violin during his early teenage years, Béla had become interested in music from around the world, first with Irish, Latin, and then Klezmer, a type of Jewish folk music from Eastern Europe. This experience would later define Béla's sound, continually drawing from his European cultural and musical roots.

An adventurous and fiery personality, Béla took another detour and joined several rock bands in the 1990's, utilizing an electric violin set up and unique playing style, which was inspired by violinists Jerry Goodman and Sugarcane Harris.

Throughout his musical career, Béla has enjoyed studio session work, his performances have been featured in Disney and Sony pictures, in addition to many other projects.

In 1996, Béla co-founded the highly acclaimed ensemble 3 Leg Torso, performing on violin, trumpet and piano. His compositions and performances have been heard on National Public Radio, HBO, and have been in soundtracks to films by Academy Award winning film maker Joan Gratz, Cannes Festival Award winning animator Bill Plympton, documentary film maker Morgan Spurlock (Super Size Me), and has contributed music for two short films by Ezekial Zabrowski and Teller, of Penn and Teller fame.

Béla enjoys being in nature, kayaking, mountain biking, and riding his long board down lonely country hills. He lives in the Portland area where he spends most of his free time with his friends and family.

You may write to Béla at vibrato.kings@gmail.com

For booking or other information, contact Béla R. Balogh
Phone (503) 740-9614 \ email: bela@3legtorso.com


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