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Grammy-Winning Mandolinist Chris Thile Returns to UGA October 9


September 19, 2025

A man in a light blue suit sits on a patterned tile floor, leaning against a decorated wall, holding a mandolin and a cup, with his legs stretched out in front of him. Warm lighting fills the ornate room.

The University of Georgia Performing Arts Center presents the return of Grammy Award-winning mandolinist, singer, songwriter, composer, and MacArthur Fellow Chris Thile Thursday, October 9 at 7:30 p.m. in Hodgson Concert Hall.

Hailed by The Guardian as “that rare being: an all-round musician” and by NPR as a “genre-defying musical genius,” Thile is one of the most celebrated and versatile musicians of his generation. A founding member of the trailblazing bands Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, Thile has collaborated with luminaries ranging from Yo-Yo Ma and Edgar Meyer to Fiona Apple and Brad Mehldau. From 2016 to 2020, he also reached millions of listeners as host of the popular public radio show Live from Here.

Thile’s wide-ranging program in Athens will draw from across his solo career, including selections from his acclaimed recording of J.S. Bach’s Sonatas and Partitas — with the second volume set for release November 7 — alongside his inventive blend of classical, folk, and improvisational music. Audiences can expect the singular artistry that has led the New York Times to praise Thile’s work as “one joyous arc, with the linear melody and vertical harmony blurring into a single web of gossamer beauty.”

Over the past year, Thile has been on tour with Nickel Creek in support of their 2023 release Celebrants and captivating audiences with ATTENTION! — his playfully ambitious narrative song cycle for mandolin and orchestra. His solo concerts continue to expand the boundaries of contemporary music, creating what critics describe as a distinctly American canon for modern audiences.

SUPPORTED BY

Scott and Gale Wilson
Deanna and Steven Jones
Dr. Janice Simon

BUYING TICKETS IS EASY

Securing tickets for UGA Presents performances couldn’t be easier. There are three ways to choose from:

  1. Purchase tickets online 24/7 here.
  2. Call the Performing Arts Center Box Office at (706) 542-4400, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
  3. Visit the UGA Performing Arts Center Box Office, Mon.-Fri., 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (5 minute parking is available in the drop off circle at the Performing Arts Center for purchasing or picking up tickets.)

You may also create your own series of three or more performances (10% off). UGA Presents single tickets start at just $30 with promo code PAC30 and UGA student tickets are $15. Information about accessibility and venue amenities is available on the PAC website. Parking is free.