It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Zakir Hussain (9 March 1951 – 15 December 2024). Arguably one of the greatest musicians of all time, the multi-Grammy Award winner was also an exceptionally gracious, humble and beautiful human being. It has been an honor to present him in concert at UGA on two occasions in the past. Our deepest condolences go to his family. His “Masters of Percussion” performance on April 10, 2025, has been canceled. All tickets will be refunded within the coming days. Please contact the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office with any questions. 

“A combination of theatricality, musical heart and phenomenal virtuosity. It was over-the-top exciting.”—Seen and Heard International

Zakir Hussain is a musician of the highest order, one whose consistently brilliant and enthralling performances have established him as a national treasure in his home country of India and one of its reigning cultural ambassadors. His playing is marked by uncanny intuition and masterful improvisational dexterity, demonstrating a “virtuosity that is barely to be believed” (Washington Post). This cross-cultural collaborative performance combines the remarkable talents of the preeminent classical tabla virtuoso of our time with those of an impressive roster of percussionists.