NYS Music 2023

Tag: OSFL

  • Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes Announces “Holiday Traditions Together”

    The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) has announced its upcoming holiday concert, “Holiday Traditions Together,” set to charm the community in early December at the Clemens Center in Elmira. As the region’s premier holiday event, this concert is not just a performance but a vibrant celebration of community spirit and festive joy.

    Featuring a dynamic collaboration with the Honors Chorus from the Alternative School for Math & Sciences, soprano Rachel Schutz from the faculty at Ithaca College, and skilled dancers from Rafael Grigorian Ballet, “Holiday Traditions Together” on December 9 promises an afternoon of enchanting music and dance. The concert will include a special singalong segment, inviting the audience to participate in the holiday cheer.

    “Dancing to the vibrant strains of a live orchestra is a rare and exhilarating opportunity for these young dancers…This concert embodies the spirit of togetherness and celebrates the rich tapestry of talent we have right here in our community.”

    Toshiyuki Shimada, Music Director of the OSFL

    The OSFL offers four regular season full orchestra concerts, including a side-by-side Youth Orchestra and professional musician collaboration, a Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, concerts by the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes, concerts by the Youth Orchestra, and educational concerts for children. Under the guidance of Music Director and Conductor, Toshiyuki Shimada, the OSFL is a strong supporter of highlighting the musical achievements of young musicians with its own youth ensembles and the Hertzog Concerto & Aria Competition for young artists in grades 9 through

    The OSFL collaborates with regional cultural partners, artists, and like-minded organizations to advance mutual artistic growth in the greater Elmira-Corning area. Support for the OSFL comes from the Corning Incorporated Foundation, the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes, Hilliard Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the governor and the New York State Legislature.

    “We are proud to offer this musical gift to the community. With tickets starting at just $25 and free admission for children under 18, we are making the joy of live music accessible to all. This is our way of saying thank you to the community that supports us year-round.”

    Karen Dusek, OSFL’s Managing Director

    Tickets start at $25 and college students pay $15 if they show their student ID. Entry is free for all youth under 18.

    Tickets for “Holiday Traditions Together” on December 9, 2023 at 3:00pm can be purchased online at their website, by calling (800) 724-0159, or in-person at the Clemens Center Box Office.

  • OSFL Principals to Perform in Concert February 3 at the Rockwell Museum in Corning

    The Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes (OSFL) has announced a showcase concert of the new principal musicians for the next concert on the 22-23 Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series.

    In September, the OSFL held auditions for the open orchestra seats, and these five musicians were appointed as the principal players in their respective sections. Peter Ecklund (bassoon), Frank Gabriel Campos (trumpet), Duane Smith (trombone), Chris McAllister (percussion), and Mario Pietra (bass). “Delighted to showcase the newest stars of our orchestra, and I would like our audience to be familiar with them through this concert,” says Toshiyuki Shimada, OSFL’s Music Director and Conductor.

    The five have collaborated to plan an evening of solo and small ensemble music from Baroque to jazz to modern, including original arrangements and transcriptions for these instruments. This concert will be filled with a wide variety of musical styles and instruments, including the addition of djembe and flugelhorn. Musical selections for this concert will include works by Bach, Beethoven, Mancini, Rodgers and Hart, and more. In honor of the upcoming Valentine’s Day, this concert will include My Funny Valentine and Smile.

    Following the tradition of the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, oral program notes will be given by the musicians interspersed throughout the performance. The short format program is presented in an intimate, relaxed setting without intermission. A complimentary wine and cheese reception preceding the concert will begin at 6:45 for guests with tickets purchased at least 24 hours in advance. Doors open at 6:30.

    The OSFL offers a concert season of five full orchestra concerts including a side-by-side Young People’s Orchestra and professional musician collaboration, the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Music Series, concerts by the Chorus of the Southern Finger Lakes, the youth ensembles, as well as educational outreach concerts for children. Under the guidance of distinguished Music Director and Conductor, Toshiyuki Shimada, the OSFL is a strong supporter of highlighting the musical achievements of young musicians through the youth ensemble programs, as well as the annual Hertzog Concerto & Aria Competition for young artists in grades 9 – 12. The OSFL collaborates with regional cultural partners, artists, and like-minded organizations to advance mutual artistic growth in the greater Elmira-Corning area.

    Support for the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes comes from Corning Incorporated Foundation, the Community Foundation of Elmira-Corning and the Finger Lakes. The Hilliard Foundation, and the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

    The 22-23 Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series is sponsored by Dick and Judy Sphon, the Hilliard Foundation, and the OSFL Chamber Music Society.

    The next concert on the Musicians’ Choice Chamber Series will be held at North Presbyterian Church on March 31 and is part of the OSFL’s Clara Schumann Festival.

    The concert is on Friday, February 3 at 7:30 PM, with a pre-concert reception beginning at 6:45, at the Rockwell Museum, in Corning, NY.

    For concert and ticket information please visit OSFL.org.