CHRIS THILE is a celebrated mandolin virtuoso, composer and vocalist. Recipient of a MacArthur Foundation genius grant in 2012, Thile’s mastery of multiple styles of music (Bluegrass, Classical, Jazz, Pop) has made him a highly sought after collaborator by a glittering roster of musicians including Yo-Yo Ma, Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Brad Meldhau. In addition to his acclaimed collaborations, he also fronts the progressive string band Punch Brothers, and formerly Nickel Creek. Thile’s latest project is Sonatas & Partitas, an exploration on the mandolin of Johann Sebastian Bach’s compositions for the violin. In regard to his insatiable musical curiosity, Thile says “I’m trying to find the middle between music that is visceral and cerebral. I want to be transported. I want a new perspective on what it means to be alive.”