Carl Vine first rose to prominence as a composer of music for classical dance, with over 20 scores to his credit. He has since emerged as a major orchestral composer with seven symphonies and seven concertos heading the catalogue, and his piano music is played frequently around the world.

He has an impressive catalogue of chamber music, complemented by various work for film, television and theatre. Although primarily a composer of modern 'art' music, he has undertaken such diverse tasks as arranging the Australian National Anthem and writing music for the Closing Ceremony of the Olympic Games (Atlanta, 1996). In his role as Artistic Director of Musica Viva Australia, Carl is also Artistic Director of the Huntington Estate Music Festival, Australia's most prestigious chamber music festival.

Carl Vine has commented widely on the role of the Arts in Australia.