ATHENS — The UGA Performing Arts Center will present internationally acclaimed baritone Thomas Hampson at 8 p.m. Feb. 18 in Hodgson Concert Hall. Hampson's Athens recital will feature the world premiere of a new work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer William Bolcom.

American baritone Hampson enjoys a singular career as a recitalist, opera singer and recording artist, and maintains an active interest in teaching, research and technology.

He has performed in all of the world's most prominent concert halls and opera houses with many of today's most renowned singers, pianists, conductors and orchestras.

During the 2009-10 season, Hampson toured the country with his Song of America project, commemorating the 250th anniversary of what is recognized as the first song written by an American.

In collaboration with the Library of Congress, Hampson performed recitals and presented master classes, exhibits and broadcasts across the United States. He also released a new album, "Wondrous Free — Song of America II," on his own imprint, Thomas Hampson Media.

Raised in Spokane, Wash., Hampson has received many honors and awards throughout his career.

He has recorded more than 150 albums, earning a Grammy Award, two Edison Prizes and the Grand Prix du Disque. He holds honorary doctorates from Manhattan School of Music, Whitworth College and the San Francisco Conservatory, and is an honorary member of London's Royal Academy of Music.

Hampson carries the titles of Kammersanger of the Vienna State Opera and the Chevalier de l'Ordre des Arts et des Lettres from the Republic of France, and he was awarded the Austrian Medal of Honor in Arts and Sciences in 2004.