About FLX Early Music
Finger Lakes Early Music was founded in 2019 by Caroline Giassi to enhance the vibrant classical music scene in the area. Trained in historical performance practice, Caroline moved to the Southern Tier in 2017 from New York City, where she had recently completed a master’s degree in baroque oboe at The Juilliard School. Alongside her active career as a performer and teacher, she sought to share her passion for music with her new community.
In 2019, Caroline organized her first performance at Park Church in Elmira, collaborating with four early music friends and colleagues. Although the Covid pandemic paused performances for a time, she has since arranged additional concerts at venues like The Dairy Barn in Big Flats and Congregation Kol-Ami in Elmira. Through future performances, Caroline aims to enrich the region's musical offerings and expand the reach of classical music by partnering with local organizations to make performances accessible to wider audiences. Most recently, FLX Early Music had a wildly successful collaboration with the Cantata Singers of Elmira in May 2025 with a performance of Handel’s Messiah (recording and information can be found here)
Future plans include more concerts at The Dairy Barn—where ice cream pairs perfectly with early music—and collaborations with the Neighborhood Transformation Center to bring music to their weekly dinners. FLX EM is very grateful to the Arts Council of the Southern Finger Lakes for repeated funding through their Community Arts and Quick Arts grants.
Painting on page header: “Chemung Palisades” by Brian M Hart || www.WestEndGallery.net