The Australian Chamber Orchestra wowed audiences in London last week with the long awaited premiere of their recent commission from one of the world’s most exciting compositional voices: Radiohead guitarist, film composer and Messiaen fanatic Jonny Greenwood.

Greenwood has been gaining ever increasing acclaim in recent years for his original soundworld, which manages to be accessible while still technically and musically sophisticated. Consequently demand for his work, both for screen (his award-winning scores for There Will Be Blood, The Master and Norwegian Wood have redefined the standard of music for cinema) and the concert hall has never been higher. Greenwood’s ability to pack out venues with a refreshingly open minded audience, many of whom may never have attended a classical music concert, has made him one of the most valuable advocates for live, classical performance around.

Ahead of the Australian premiere of Water, the ACO’s Artistic Director Richard Tognetti caught up with Jonny Greenwood to discuss his influences, his priorities and his vision for the future of music.

You come from a long line of composing violists, and a very short line of rock musician composers. Do you feel that’s an easy combination?

Jack of all trades, master of none is my fear. I’m...