It is not often that all four current classical music reviewers of The Straits Times get to meet, let alone in the presence of their editor. It happened, and it took place today at Prego, one of the most famous and beloved Italian restaurants in Singapore. It was a good choice of our editor Ong Sor Fern as Prego was having its 40th anniversary, and bringing out a special menu of its favourite dishes over the decades.
The interior deco of Prego is still as classy and classical as it always did, with models of favourite Italian transport and array of freshly made pasta. The menu is always interesting, offering a varied choice of appetisers and main courses. It was certainly delicious, and so was the company, discussing the ups and downs of classical music in Singapore. There have been many positives, and the only bitter pill to swallow was that The Straits Times, with reduced readership over the years, was cutting back on content ie. our reviews! So, it's down to the four of us to share one review a week from the month of June onwards.
| Natalie Ng and Mervin Beng |
| Editor Ong Sor Fern and Geoffrey Lim |
That's a pity but a reality of Life!, that people are now reading less, or paying less to read. Whichever way it is, it's a shame that our talented and hardworking musical artists in Singapore will get less coverage, and their efforts seemingly less recognised. There are other channels and ways their endeavours will get known, but no longer as much on our national daily paper.
| Prego's 40th Anniversary menu |
Anyway, we got to enjoy a wonderful meal with our ever-positive editor who has supported us all the through the years. She stands by us whenever one of us gets attacked by artists who feel they have been wronged by our critical and honest writings. Anyway, here's what we enjoyed.
| Everyone looking cheery despite the editorial cuts. It must have been the food. |
| Not as famous as the Fiat of Talad Noi, Bangkok. |


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