Metropolis Ensemble is delighted to announce a classical nomination in the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards for Avi Avital (soloist) and Andrew Cyr (conductor) with Metropolis Ensemble for Avner Dorman’s Mandolin Concerto, part of our first studio album, Avner Dorman’s Concertos. David Frost also received a Producer of the Year Grammy nomination for his work on five albums, including his recording of Avner Dorman’s Concertos. Collaborators on the project share their excitement…

Artistic Director / Conductor Andrew Cyr:

“I am thrilled and honored… this is an incredible moment for Metropolis Ensemble, our extraordinary musicians, Avi Avital, Avner Dorman, and all of our fans and supporters.”

Mandolin soloist Avi Avital:

“I was very excited today to get the news about our Grammy nomination. Working with the extremely talented and deeply committed musicians of Metropolis Ensemble, Andrew Cyr, David Frost and of course Avner’s wonderful concerto was a truly uplifting and memorable experience, Avner’s work reveals such new colors out of the mandolin and I am especially grateful that the Academy has given this recognition to this unique instrument. It feels like a historic moment to see the work resonate in this way and I hope this honor will help bring the mandolin to wider audiences.

Composer Avner Dorman:

"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.”

Producer David Frost:

“I am thrilled that Avi Avital and the Metropolis Ensemble under the direction of Andrew Cyr have been nominated for a Grammy Award this year. Their excellent performance of Avner Dorman’s remarkable work is a wonderful accomplishment, and I was pleased to have served as their recording producer.”

You can hear excerpts from the Mandolin Concerto below, along with reviews from Michael Barone of KSJN Minneapolis and Sterling Beeaff of KBAQ Phoenix.

The album features the complete chamber orchestra concerti of Avner Dorman, hailed by Allan Kozinn of the New York Times as “crisp and energetic.” Explore the album, including audio and liner notes, and download on iTunes today! Many thanks to Avner Dorman, Avi Avital, David Frost, Arnaud Sussmann, our talented artists, NAXOS American Classics, The Arkin Family Foundation, Suki Sandler, Jill and Steve Lampe, Crosswicks Foundation, Mikhail Iliev, The Elitzer Family Fund, Penny and Claudio Pincus, Allyson and Trip Samson, Kristin Lancino, Peggy Monastra, Katy Tucker, Peter Herb, Glenn Schoenfeld, Britton Matthews and J.J. Sherman, and all of our amazing fans!