Celebration, a new work for solo organ, is out now, published by Oxford University Press. It was composed to follow the Missa Brevis (publishing in March 2022) as a concluding voluntary. It was first performed at a Festival Eucharist in York Minster on 11 July 2021 by Ben Morris, assistant organist at the Minster. Watch from 43:37 on the following YouTube video to hear the world première.
Both the Missa Brevis and Celebration 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 who passed away in February 2021.
“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 can be ordered directly from the Oxford University Press website or from Musicroom in the UK or JW Pepper in the US.
Other organ works by John Rutter include Toccata in Seven and Elegy and Festive Bells.