Francis Jackson (composer)

Francis Alan Jackson, (born 2 October 1917) is a British organist and composer. He was the organist and director of music at York Minster for 36 years.
Jackson was born in Malton, North Yorkshire, England, and received his early education as a chorister at York Minster under his predecessor, Sir Edward Bairstow. His first cousin once removed was the lyric soprano Elsie Suddaby. He was appointed organist and director of music at York Minster in 1946 and held these positions until his retirement in 1982. Jackson played for the wedding of Elizabeth II's cousin, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, to Katherine Worsley on 8 June 1961. The final voluntary was the final movement of Charles-Marie Widor's "Symphony No. 5 for organ: Toccata", which set a fashion for the use of this piece for weddings.
Both nationally and internationally acclaimed, Jackson has given recitals and concerts all over the world and made numerous recordings of solo organ music and of choral music with the choir of York Minster.
Composition and writing.
Jackson's extensive output of sacred and secular music includes canticles, anthems, hymn tunes (including the widely sung "East Acklam"), organ sonatas and other organ pieces such as "Diversion for Mixtures". But his 164 opus numbers range well beyond choral and solo organ music. There are two acclaimed monodramas – "Daniel in Babylon" and "A Time of Fire" - as well as the overture "Brigantia", an organ concerto (1985), a symphony (1957), chamber music and solo songs. Jackson's creative output has continued since his retirement. The composer himself recorded four CDs of his own organ music for Priory Records. He recorded the Organ Concerto in 1999..There are also two CDs of the choral works.
Jackson is the author of a biography of his teacher, mentor and predecessor, Sir Edward Bairstow, entitled "Blessed City: The Life and Works of Sir Edward C. Bairstow". His autobiography, "Music For A Long While", was published in 2013. He turned 100 in October 2017.