Celebration is an exciting work for solo organ. Exuberant rhythms prevail in the outer sections (including a playful reference to Walton’s Crown Imperial), framing more pensive music at the centre of the piece.
Celebration (and John’s Latin mass setting for choir and organ – Missa Brevis) were written at the invitation of the Chapter of York in memory of Richard Shephard, a composer, former educator, and retired Director of Development and Chamberlain of York Minster.