Mandolinist and composer Chris Thile will curate The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts' American Strings: A Tradition of Innovation, a festival of performances, workshops, jam sessions, and panel discussions exploring the idea that tradition is innovation that lasts. American Strings will guide audiences from the origins fueling new traditions in American string music to the artistry and diverse styles in today’s creative landscape. The week-long survey, held June 20–26, 2016, in Washington, DC, will culminate in a star-studded performance with Chris Thile and the National Symphony Orchestra.

"Intuitive and learned approaches to music-making have often been considered mutually exclusive, but increasingly, the world's most exciting music is being made via an amorphous balance thereof, " said Thile. "American Strings is a celebration of this process, and an exploration of how the music that results might help us cope with, and even enjoy, the dizzying fugue of 21st century life."

Known to international audiences as the Grammy Award–winning member of the progressive acoustic groups Punch Brothers and Nickel Creek, Chris Thile has also garnered acclaim for his wide-ranging collaborations and recordings that span from Bach to bluegrass. The celebrated mandolin player, singer, and composer received a 2012 MacArthur Fellowship, recognizing his exceptional talent and continued creative work, and in support of his career and contributions to the world of American music. Thile is credited with creating a distinctly American canon for the mandolin and a new musical aesthetic for performers and audiences alike. His evolutionary approach to composition often begins with bluegrass instrumentation, assimilating elements from a myriad of musical traditions and resulting in a pioneering artistic form. Thile reflects this eclectic synthesis of styles in his original work and transcendent performances, pushing and expanding the reach of American music as a whole. Thile embodies American string music, making him an ideal host for this festival.

American Strings also celebrates the symbiotic relationship between great musicians and great audiences—audiences made up of active players and active listeners. The festival will span one week of highly participatory events. Led by Thile and a notable roster of string master performers, the schedule will include workshops and panel discussions that will serve as interactive learning opportunities for audience members. Jam sessions open to players and listeners will encourage improvisation and exploration. In addition to these hands-on experiences, American Strings will feature energizing panel discussions in which Thile, the master performers, and other guest experts will share insight on the history and influence of tradition in an artist’s creative journey; the conscious process of retaining and discarding elements of tradition in order to develop a distinctive artistic voice; the opportunities and challenges of being a musical omnivore; and the active role of the audience along the way.

The Kennedy Center's Terrace Theater will be the hub for concerts featuring artist collaborations and jam sessions, leading to a signature American Strings Concert on Saturday, June 25, 2016, in the Concert Hall that features Chris Thile alongside many of the festival’s master performers. The multi-artist musical celebration will be accompanied by the National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Steven Reineke. More information about American Strings with Chris Thile: A Tradition of Innovation, a list of festival master performers, and schedule of events will be announced in the coming months.

For all the latest details on American Strings, visit kennedy-center.org.