Elisabeth Waldo, a violinist and composer renowned for blending pre-Columbian instruments with Western classical music to evoke Latin America's atmosphere, died at 107. Her death was confirmed by her niece, Lucy V. Lee, at her Northridge, California home on March 16.

Waldo's career began classically; she was endorsed by Jascha Heifetz and studied at the Curtis Institute. However, Latin American tours, especially in Mexico, profoundly shifted her focus. She rejected comparisons to the commercial 'exotica' genre, insisting her use of authentic instruments like bone flutes and conch shell trumpets was vital.

Albums like 'Realm of the Incas' (1961) created lush soundscapes, though critics offered mixed reviews over decades. Waldo continued performing and composing until her 100s, collaborating on films and teaching. She is survived by her sons Dana Carl and Paul Dentzel.