It’s a big year for Israeli composer Avner Dorman and last week’s Grammy nomination for the performance of his “Mandolin Concerto” (by Avi Avital and Andrew Cyr with Metropolis Ensemble) only makes it sweeter. Avner was the first to notice the nomination and share the good news, as Andrew recounted:
“I was not even aware when they were making the Grammy announcement. I was working on a grant, working late into the night. Avner sent me an e-mail that said, ‘Congratulations,’ and a link to the official Grammy nomination page… It’s just such an honor and a thrill.”
Avner was equally delighted with the Grammy nod:
“I am extremely happy we received a Grammy nomination for the Mandolin Concerto, which was the first piece Metropolis played of mine. All I can say is that I am grateful that such amazing musicians dedicated themselves fully to making this happen.”
Avner is spending this year as composer-in-residence with the Alabama Symphony, complete with world premieres (including his new Saxophone Concerto) and local workshops with music students in the Birmingham area. He also has an incredible number of premieres from coast-to-coast:
January 26-28: World premiere of Uriah: The Man The King Wanted Dead with the San Francisco Symphony, conducted by David Robertson at Davies Hall and Flint Center.
February 22: US premiere of Azerbaijani Dance with the Israel Philharmonic, conducted by Zubin Mehta at Carnegie Hall.
April 10: World premiere of New Piano Piece (title to be announced) featuring Xiayin Wang at Alice Tully Hall.
April 16: World premiere of New Violin and Piano Piece (title to be announced) featuring Orli and Gil Shaham at 92 Street Y.
With glowing reviews and feature stories in the LA Times, New York Times, Sequenza21, and Washington Post, Avner is taking the classical world by storm. Congrats, Avner! Metropolis Ensemble is pleased to share this exciting time with you!