My artistic journey: A detailed curriculum vitae
Welcome to my comprehensive curriculum vitae, a testament to my dedication and passion for classical singing. Here, you'll find a detailed account of my professional journey, showcasing my accomplishments and experiences on stage and in the studio. This CV is designed to provide a full picture of my career, allowing you to understand my artistic narrative and the breadth of my work.
Showcasing a versatile career
My career as a classical singer has been marked by diverse and challenging roles. I have had the privilege of performing Verdi's Requiem multiple times, as well as Mozart's Coronation Mass and Requiem, often taking on both mezzo-soprano and soprano solo roles. These experiences highlight my vocal range and adaptability.
Among my most cherished performances is singing Vivaldi's Gloria in D Major as the contralto, notably in the iconic red dress symbolic of Vivaldi. I have also frequently performed as a soloist at the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral, an experience that is always deeply rewarding. My repertoire extends to various roles in opera, operetta, sacred music and musicals, demonstrating my versatility across different genres.
An accomplished and versatile artist
This curriculum vitae is crafted to present an image of an accomplished and versatile artist. It is my intention for the public to gain a comprehensive understanding of my professional background and the significant contributions I have made to the world of classical music. I hope this documentation provides clear insight into my extensive experience and artistic capabilities.
My detailed biography
Canadian born Mezzo-soprano from Rabat
Connie was born on April 4th in Toronto, Canada to Maltese father Joseph Attard and Filipino mother Candelaria. Having no other siblings, her parents decided to put their aspirations into Connie – her mother wanted her to learn piano and her father to take up sports and learn clarinet. At a young age, Connie took part in various plays and concerts at her schools. Connie studied as a clarinetist at the age of 14 years under the direction of the Mro Joe Gatt of the Malta Band Club in Toronto and with him studied other instruments as saxophone and oboe. On offering her service to play during mass as a clarinetist to her local parish her St. Paul the Apostle Church, the parish priest told her that they needed a singer for the Sunday Maltese Mass. So a trio was formed along with her and Victor Micallef (who is now one of the members of the famous Canadian group (The Tenors). This was the beginning of her singing journey.
She moved to Malta at the age of sixteen along with her parents and studied at St. Joseph Church School for 1 year to acquire all her O-levels. She originally wanted to be a singer like her idol Sarah Brightman (The Phantom of the Opera) but her parents encouraged her to continue with her studies. She studied sciences at G.F. Abela 6th form and decided to take the Bachelor’s in Science course in Chemistry and Biology so that she could one day teach at the Junior College. She continued with her Masters in Chemistry.
Connie Frances Zerafa studied pianoforte with Betty Eastwood and studied singing with renowned dramatic soprano Antoinette Miggiani. Connie obtained her Dip.ABRSM and LRSM (Musical Performance) in singing. She attended master classes with Laure Florentin in France and participated in the Festival de Marseilles. Her other musical mentors include Joe Fenech and Terry Bennici (operetta) and Mro Dr. Dion Buhagiar (sacred music). Connie has sung at several venues including St. James Cavalier, Salesians Theatre, Manoel Theatre, President’s Palace (San Anton), St Paul's Anglican Pro-Cathedral, Mdina Cathedral and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Connie’s repertoire consists of opera, operetta, musicals and sacred music and because of the versatility of her voice, has been cast for both mezzo and soprano roles. Her performances include King and I (Lady Thiang), Madame Butterfly (Suzuki and Kate), La Danza delle Libellule (Tutu), L’Elizir D’Amore (Giannetta), Il Paese dei Campanelli (Bon-Bon and Ethel), Antonin Tucapsky's Stabat Mater, Simon Brixit’s Magnificat, Haydn’s Paukenmesse, Vivaldi’s Gloria in D Major, Mozart's Requiem and Coronation Mass, Handel's Messiah, Rossini’s Stabat Mater, Verdi's Requiem, Carlo Diacono’s San Paolo Evangelizzi i Maltesi, Joseph Vella’s Demm fuq il-Verna, Dion Buhagiar’s L-Oratorju San Nikola, Schubert’s Mass in G Major, Colin Attard’s Missa Brevis (in onor di Papa Giovanni Paulo II), Dion Buhagiar’s Juxta Cructem Lacrymosa (Marija) and the premiere of Ray Sciberras’ Missa Gloria Tibi. She was a soloist for Frisina's Apostolo delle Genti and Magnificat, the latter being conducted by the composer himself, Mons. Marco Frisina. She also performed in Paolino Vassallo’s Messa Grande and Pietro Paolo Bugeja’s Messe Solemne, both released on CD.
Connie is a Senior Lecturer II in Chemistry at G.F. Abela Junior College. She was the Musical Director and later on the Coordinator for Choir and Orchestra for various Christmas Concerts, Soirees and other events for 14 years.
She has also sung for the 11:15am mass at St Dominic Church Rabat for more than 30 years.
Connie lives in Rabat with her husband Adrian, her daughter Adela and their two rescue dogs.
My musical mentors and influences
Throughout my journey as a classical singer, I have had the privilege of learning from incredible mentors and musicians who have shaped my artistic development.
Antoinette Miggiani
Renowed Dramatic Soprano
Antoinette Miggiani discovered me at the age of 18 and taught me all that encompasses being a classical singer - from bel canto technique to Italian diction to the discipline required. Her vocal lessons were essential in my training as a classical singer.
Joe Fenech
Baritone and Operetta organizer
Joe Fenech introduced me to the world of operettas and organised many concerts where I got to perform various soubrette pieces with the help of the well known soubrette Terry Bencini. He helped me grow in confidence on stage and got me to work outside my comfort zone.
Prof. Mro Dion Buhagiar
Maestro di Cappella Emeritus, organist and Composer
Prof Mro Dion Buhagiar gave me many opportunities to test my vocal limits by going beyond the traditional mezzo-soprano and utilize my full range which included soprano solo parts. I worked on many sacred music concerts with him and learnt about the sacrifice and discipline required to sing Verdi, Mozart and other sacred works. I got to be the soloist for his own compositions. He taught me to be fearless in music.