Sounds of America—A Gift of Music for All
On June 27, 2026, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes brought something extraordinary to our region—a free outdoor symphony concert at Elmira’s beloved Eldridge Park. Sounds of America is 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 transformed into an outdoor concert hall, filled with the sounds of a full 58-piece orchestra performing by the lake. Families spread picnic blankets on the grass, children danced to familiar tunes, and the night closed with fireworks over the water.
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 drew thousands of residents from across the Southern Tier and beyond. It served as an opportunity to unite the community through music, to celebrate who we are, and to remind us of the power of shared experiences.
But this concert was not a one-time affair. With your support, this inaugural concert has the power to spark a new annual tradition.
If you believe in the power of music to inspire, connect, and uplift, or if you attended the inaugural event and saw it for yourself, please consider supporting Sounds of America today and help us cement this new tradition. Together, we can continue bring this incredible experience to life for years and years to come—because when we listen together, we are sound.
The OSFL is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 16-1482732.
Help the Music Ring Out:
Join OSFL’s 250 for 250 Campaign
We are well on our way to raising $250,000 — the investment needed to secure this free, outdoor community concert for the next five years. Now, we are seeking 250 supporters to help carry us across the finish line.
When you give, you are doing more than funding a performance. You are helping create a community tradition. You are ensuring that five summers from now, families will still gather under open skies as the orchestra plays. You are making history part of our shared future.
Giving Levels
Picnic on the Lawn — $250
A gift of $250 (or more) directly supports Sounds of America. As a thank you, you’ll receive a commemorative OSFL picnic blanket — perfect for enjoying this concert and many summers to come.
VIP Experience — $2,500
Gifts of $2,500 or more include reserved seating in our VIP tent, offering comfort, prime views, and an elevated concert experience.
Not ready to commit to one of these donor levels? Every gift matters. A donation of $25 helps make this celebration accessible to all.
Not ready to donate just yet? You can pledge now, and pay later.
The OSFL is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, EIN 16-1482732.
Other Ways to Give
If you prefer to donate by check, please mail a check payable to the OSFL to PO Box 15, Corning NY 14830.
In addition, the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes accepts gifts in many forms, including cash, electronic funds transfers, appreciated securities, donor-advised funds, and qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, including required minimum distributions. These options allow you to support the OSFL in ways that align with your financial and philanthropic goals.
Please reach out to the OSFL directly at info@OSFL.org or 607-936-2873 if you'd like to make a gift through an alternate method.