(Mario Monteregge)
Much-loved and charismatic Durban trombonist Mario
Monteregge died on May 23 at the age of 79. He had battled serious health
problems over the last three years and had suffered two strokes and undergone a
limb amputation.
Monteregge started his musical training in Northern Italy at
the age of six and took theory lessons at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatoire of
Music. He started his musical career in South Africa by playing and singing at
various concerts, nightclubs and hotels.
He was a trombonist for the SABC Symphony Orchestra from
1965 to1972, after which he played for various performing arts councils for a
number of years, participating in blockbusters such as West
Side Story, Sound of Music and Annie. In 1978 he taught
brass and conducted the Pinetown Schools Orchestra and the Natal Youth
Orchestra before forming his hugely popular Music Unlimited Big Band in 1981.
Well-known for his ever-ready smile and bubbling sense of
humour, Monteregge has been a part of the music scene for many years. He is
most well-known for heading up Music Unlimited all through the
80’s and 90’s. and will be sorely missed by colleagues and fans alike.
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