On the back of his latest album performing Bach's violin sonatas and partitas on mandolin, Thile brought to the velvet-lined stage a unique musical aesthetic crafted from an eclectic fusion of classical stylings, traditional bluegrass and improvisational meanderings.

Handling his mandolin like a rough-and-tumble instrument twice its size, Thile opened the evening's events with Adagio from Bach’s G Minor sonata. Providing a thoughtful introduction to the fun ahead, Thile's playing immediately brought to light the vibrant virtuosity that earned him a Grammy Award and MacArthur 'Genius' Grant in 2009. 

At the movement's conclusion, Thile explained the sonata would form the backbone of the evening's entertainment, with so-called "other stuff" interspersed between – an eclectic mix of covers and original songs. Navigating foot-stomping renditions of Bob Dylan's Don't Think Twice It's Alright and Louvin Brothers' Broadminded, Thile exuded a rockstar presence on stage, complete with hip gyrations. Think bluegrass Elvis, sans quiff.

The evening's pièce de résistance was Bach's mighty B Minor Partita – a rewarding sojourn back into classical territory. Although lacking the level of intensity brought to the piece by solo violin, (and hampered by a marginally rushed second movement), Thile’s technical brilliance never wavered and the smile plastered across his face was contagious.

Other highlights of the evening included a number of Thile's own self-deprecating numbers lamenting his luckless love life (“If you’re gonna leave me/set me up with one of your friends”). In a change of pace, the ballad Stay Away also showcased the emotive power of Thile’s soulful voice, with delicately strummed chords offering a tasteful accompaniment.

The final movement of Bach's G Minor sonata, Presto, rounded off the evening's entertainment. With fingers moving at a perfectly controlled (albeit furious) tempo, Thile's final cadence was met with a standing ovation in recognition of a uniquely understated highlight at this year's Sydney Festival.