Harvey has a truly global reputation, particularly for his work in the field of electro-acoustic music (he was commissioned by IRCAM on numerous occasions), where he was considered as one of the most skilled and imaginative composers using the electronic medium today. He also composed for most other genres, including large orchestra, ensemble and solo instrumental. He is particularly renowned for his choral music, much of which is suited for church performance, most notably his church opera Passion and Resurrection. He has frequently featured at all the major European music festivals. From 2005 he was Composer-in-Residence at the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.