The Apocryphonia Concert Series' mandate is to present concerts of lesser known, rare and underperformed works of Classical Music, and Samuel Felsted's Jonah fits that bill. The first oratorio written in the Western Hemisphere, in 1775, this work was lost for 150 years until its rediscovery in the 1980s. Performed in Jamaica, the United States, and in Europe; this would be the first time in history it will be performed in Canada.

Included also in this concert are two works by composers from Toronto's Jamaican-Canadian diaspora: Ted Runcie (who will also conduct), and Rashaan Rori Allwood. This will be a concert that truly celebrates the past, present, and future of Jamaica's contributions to Classical Music.

On June 12th, we presented a sneak-preview concert with this project's performers: Joshua Duncan Lee (organ), Paul Williamson (tenor) & Alexander Cappellazzo (tenor)

The critics agree, "I loved what I heard, and agreed that it was important."

To bring this project to life, we must assemble:

A 14-piece orchestra

A chorus of 16+ singers

Professional soloists and conductor

Rehearsal and venue support

Marketing, outreach, and production expenses

The total project budget is approximately $20,000.

Our immediate goal is to raise $5,000 before August. These funds will demonstrate community support as we apply for grants from municipal, provincial, and federal arts funders. Every dollar raised now strengthens our case for securing the additional support needed to make this performance a reality.

Will you help make history?