Heaven by Roxanna Panufnik is a 5-and-a-half-minute choral anthem for SSATB (with divisi to SSAATTBB) and organ which sets the beautiful George Herbert (15931633) poem of the same title. The poem’s focus on leaves literally echoes the most famous and beautiful aspect of Southwell Minster’s architecture. In 18 languages the word "leaves" intersperses Herbert’s lines. Herbert takes inspiration from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, where Hera condemns Echo, from that day on, to only be able to repeat the last words addressed to her, and nothing else. The piece ends with an imploring request to the listener to "persever" despite the hardships we have all endured during the recent pandemic.

The work was commissioned by Southwell Minster Choir Association to celebrate the recent completion of The Leaves of Southwell Project and was performed by the Southwell Minster Choir conducted by Paul Provost and accompanied by Jonathan Allsop on 15 May 2022.