Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes

On June 27, 2026, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes will bring something extraordinary to our region--a free outdoor symphony concert at Elmira’s beloved Eldridge Park. Sounds of America will be a joyful, open-air celebration of music, community, and the nation’s 250th anniversary—a gift from the OSFL to everyone who calls this region home.

For one magical evening, the park will transform into an outdoor concert hall, filled with the sounds of a full 58-piece orchestra performing by the lake. Families will spread picnic blankets on the grass, children will dance to familiar tunes, and the night will close with fireworks over the water. From Copland’s Lincoln Portrait to Ives’ Variations on America and favorite melodies from Broadway, film, and jazz, the program will showcase the depth and diversity of American music—from classical to contemporary, patriotic to playful.

Sounds of America embodies the OSFL’s mission to make live symphonic music accessible to all. Many schools today face budget cuts that limit exposure to the arts, leaving fewer opportunities for young people to experience orchestral music. This concert offers a way to bridge that gap—an open invitation to discover the beauty and excitement of a live symphony in a welcoming, familiar space.

Held in partnership with Seven Mountains Media and the organizers of the Eldridge Park Independence Day celebration, this concert will draw thousands of residents from across the Southern Tier and beyond. It’s an opportunity to unite the community through music, to celebrate who we are, and to remind us of the power of shared experiences.

But a concert of this scale—free and open to all—is only possible through community support. From funding the musicians to sound equipment and staging, your generosity makes this gift possible. With your support, this inaugural concert will be the spark of a new annual tradition.

If you believe in the power of music to inspire, connect, and uplift, please consider supporting Sounds of America today. Together, we can bring this incredible experience to life—because when we listen together, we are sound. Learn more about the concert at OSFL.org/SoundsofAmerica#concertinfo.