The music of Chris Thile, "leader of that wonderful bluegrass band the Punch Brothers," says the Daily Telegraph's Ivan Hewett, is an example of the converging worlds of folk and classical music. While at one time this would have been anathema to contemporary classical composers---those of the mid-20th century modern era---and even today may take some convincing among traditionalist fans of either, the lines between the two genres has blurred, with each influencing the other. As roots musicians move out of their traditional roles as folk entertainers and onto the concert stage, writes Hewett, "they play to be listened to---just as classical musicians do---and that brings on a need for more sophisticated forms."

And as he wrote in an earlier article on Punch, Punch Brothers' Nonesuch debut album, "It's a delicate task, to renew a tradition without destroying the very thing that makes it special. But on the evidence of their first album the Punch Brothers are well on the way to achieving it."

To read today's article, "Why Folk and Classical Are in Harmony," visit telegraph.co.uk.

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