Now conducted by Augusto Diemecke and originally founded in 1972, the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes has enabled students to envision a 
future in music for more than thirty seasons. Middle and high school students from Corning, Elmira and the surrounding areas rehearse weekly to prepare three public concerts.
As important members of Corning-Elmira Musical Arts, Inc. (CEMA), Youth Orchestra players represent the finest young
talent in the Twin Tiers region. As such, they strive to practice and perform with the utmost of their ability, as exemplified by the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes and its Music Director.
CEMA is the Twin Tiers’ foremost classical music organization composed of a professional orchestra, a community chorus, the Youth Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes and the Junior String Ensemble. Through these ensembles, CEMA strives to be the region’s leading resource for classical music through innovative programming, quality performances, and meaningful education initiatives.