Pio Dalli writes...

It was some days ago that we gave our last farewell to Maestro Francis S. Sammut affectionately known as Is-Surmast Ċikku. He was so much a kind hearted person as much as he was short fused, but his love for church music was something that everyone could appreciate.

He was a very humble person and always kept a low profile but he was the person who introduced quite a number of singers to church music and I remember the time when, more than 40 years ago, I received a telephone call from him telling me that it was Aldo Micallef Grimaud – a colleague of mine at Rediffusion, now also enjoying eternal rest – who gave him my telephone number. He asked me to join his “Cappella” and with him I went to the most remote parts of Malta, singing in various churches and chapels.

Maestro Sammut was always coming up with some new musical composition and we used to joke that this new piece meant at least a whole night’s sleep. His calligraphy was impeccable and, therefore, no one had the excuse of not being able to read what he had written. Besides, photocopies never existed for him.

Ċikku Sammut may not be directing musicians in church functions any more but his music may still be heard as he bequethed his musical archives to Maestro Carmel Grech from Kerċem, who has been his friend for quite some time.

But above all, Maestro Sammut was a family man. His love for his wife, son and daughters was really impressive. The way he spoke about them was an example to all of us who used to be with him on any of our singing engagements. Although quite older than his wife Doris, he took great care of her during her illness and did everything possible for her. Now they have been reunited and once again they are enjoying each other.

For the last time, Saħħa Surmast.

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