Allan Kozinn on the Metropolis Ensemble

"In its natural state, the Metropolis Ensemble is a chamber orchestra that specializes in new music, mostly by young composers. But for 'Love Letters to Haiti,' its Sunday evening concert at Le Poisson Rouge, Metropolis was really an umbrella group that brought together instrumental soloists, chamber ensembles, singers and a few composers for a benefit performance for Partners in Health, a nonprofit organization that provides medical care in Haiti … and is currently working with victims of the Haitian earthquake. The concert came together quickly and almost by accident. Three weeks ago Le Poisson Rouge invited Andrew Cyr, the ensemble’s artistic director, to assemble a program for Valentine’s Day, and at first Mr. Cyr doubted that there was sufficient time. But after watching news reports about the earthquake, he resolved to round up as many musicians as he could for a benefit concert. The players donated their services, and Le Poisson Rouge donated the space, with all ticket proceeds going to the cause. Jennifer Salomon, an artist, designed T-shirts for the event … and Mr. Cyr donated a stack of his ensemble’s new CD on Naxos, devoted to the works of Avner Dorman" ("Music Review," New York Times, 2/16/10).