Benigno Zerafa

Timeline

1. 1726

   Born in Rabat, Malta on 25 August to Nicola Zerafa, a surgeon, and his wife Teresa née Lombardo. One of eight children, he was baptised the same day at the Cathedral Church.

   

2. 1734

   Appointed Clericus Chori (diaconus) at the Cathedral, sharing a salary of 20 scudi with his brother. His first real contact with music.

3. 1737

   Petitioned the Bishop for acceptance into the Cappella Musicale. Sang treble in the Cathedral choir and later joined the main Church choir, earning an additional 10 scudi.

4. 1738

   At age 11, enrolled at the Conservatorio di Santa Maria di Loreto, Naples. The Chapter provided 165 scudi in financial support, repayable in instalments. He was enrolled as a convittore (boarding student) at the seminary, specifically to prepare him for the priesthood.

5. 1743

   During his six years of study, Zerafa completed three compositions, two of which were major works for two choirs — a due cori — by the time he turned 17. Works include Dixit Dominus (ACM Mus Ms 288–289), Messa di Gloria (ACM Mus Ms 243), and Kyrie and Gloria Mass (ACM Mus Ms 245). He concluded his studies when the Conservatorio was converted into a seminary.

   

6. 1744

   Appointed Maestro di Cappella of Mdina Cathedral at age 18 by Bishop Alpheran de Bussan, following high praise from the Church Deputies for Music. His contract explicitly required him to compose new works tailored to the Cathedral's liturgical needs. The role encompassed singing, playing multiple instruments, conducting the orchestra, teaching music to clergy and choir boys, and composing sacred music.

7. 1750

   Ordained a priest on 19 September at the Episcopal Palace in Valletta, with Bishop Alpheran de Bussan presiding.

8. 1751

   Dismissed from his position as Maestro di Cappella following disputes with the Chapter.

9. 1752

   Composed one of his finest works: a Mass for two choirs (a due cori), completed on 21 April. This ten-movement work, preserved in a large manuscript score, was likely composed for the Feast of St Peter and St Paul.

   

10. 1753

    Reappointed as Maestro di Cappella on 14 April by Bishop Alpheran de Bussan himself, with an increased salary of 200 scudi, which helped his family recover from a difficult period.

11. 1755

    Maintained a music school attached to the Cathedral church. Introduced pupils to playing wind instruments for the cappella musicale. Instruments purchased included two oboes from Naples (1757), two trombones di caccia from Germany (1758), and two tortini grandi from Naples (1758).

12. 1772

    Requested a new organ, noting that the existing instrument was beyond repair. The organ was completed by Domenico Antonio Rossi in 1774. From that year onwards, he produced 25 new compositions, with an increased number written for the organ.

13. 1783

    Francesco Azopardi began acting as Maestro di Cappella due to Zerafa's declining health. On 8 December, Francesco recommended to the Cathedral authorities that Zerafa be granted a pension while his full salary be paid to him, but no action was taken.

    

14. 1786

    Submitted a supplika to the Cathedral Chapter requesting permission to resign. Donated all works composed between 1743 and 1782 to the Cathedral Chapter. Granted a pension and award of 100 scudi, enabling him to retire at Ospizio San Nicola de Saura in Rabat.

15. 1804

    Passed away on Tuesday, 20 March in Valletta, at the age of 77. The Cathedral covered the cost of his funeral, amounting to 16 scudi and 4 tari. The exact location of his burial is unknown, as no inscription marks it.