Sculthorpe is an original voice in Australian music, combining an eclectic and constantly-evolving style rooted in classic forms with an intense interest in the indigenous music of his native land and the Pacific Rim.

Sculthorpe's inventive and exploratory compositional techniques have made his music undoubtedly among the most important to emerge in Australia after World War II.

His music has attracted willing performers and an avid audience for his eclectic style.