Europe’s Artists, Yoko’s Roaches

In a galaxy of jewelry makers, Cartier’s star has always been one of the brightest, not least because of its insistence that jewelry is as much about art as it is about commerce. Now the French jewelry and watch manufacturer shows the evolution of its unique style with an exhibit titled “Cartier: Innovations of the 20th Century,” which is on display at the Kremlin museum till August 25. The exhibit, Cartier’s first in Moscow, features sixteen pieces that exemplify the company’s predominant artistic direction during key times in its history. Egyptian-style pendants made from platinum and onyx are displayed alongside black Art Deco toiletry cases studded with moonstones and topaz, ruby-eyed golden crocodiles share the stage with delicate amethyst rings and onyx clocks. Of course, diamonds feature heavily in nearly every piece.

Cartier was founded in Paris in 1847 but really hit its stride at the beginning of the 20th century, when Louis Cartier, the grandson of the company’s founder, began turning out such celebrated items as the daringly colorful Tutti Frutti line, mystery clocks, high fashion wristwatches and exotic Art Deco designs heavily influenced by the Egyptian and Chinese traditions. The company opened its New York branch in 1909, and eight years later moved to its current flagship location on 5th Avenue. www.kremlin.museum.ru


For the past several years, each summer has seemed to bring ever more concerts to Moscow, and this one proves to be no exception, bringing a large variety of shows for lovers of all genres, from opera to heavy metal. Perhaps the highest profile event is the June 20 appearance of opera crossover star Andrea Bocelli at Olimpiisky Stadium. The celebrated tenor has been riding an unending wave of popular and critical acclaim since 1997’s “Romanza,” which featured the hit “Con te Partiro” (also known as “Time to Say Goodbye”). Bocelli, who is blind, was discovered in 1992, when Italian rock singer Zucchero heard him on a demo track that he then played for the legendary Luciano Pavarotti, who took an interest in Bocelli’s career development soon after. According to organizers, the Olimpiisky concert will feature the singer’s late 90s hits as well as songs from his latest album “Amore,” and classical and traditional numbers.

At the other end of the spectrum, Moscow plays host to heavy metal titans Metallica, who are scheduled to play Luzhniki Stadium on July 18 as part of their “Sick of the Studio ‘07” tour. Revered the world over by everyone from angst-ridden teenagers to the suit-and-tie-wearing set who grew up with them in the 80s, the band recently announced that their long awaited next album will be produced by Rick Rubin, who has worked with everyone from the Beastie Boys to Johnny Cash. Several songs from the new album are expected to be performed on the current tour. The opening act at the Luzhniki show will be Finnish rockers HIM.

A week before Metallica come their distant (and older) cousins Aerosmith, for a one night stand at Olimpiisky on July 12.  “America’s Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” as they have often been described, has, in keeping with their nickname, kept their performing confined mostly to their home turf for a long while; this is their first tour outside of the United States (and Japan) in 8 years.

Fans of ‘70s British guitar rock won’t want to miss former Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore in his June 21 appearance at Luzhiki Stadium’s Rossiya Hall. Having experimented with a variety of styles, including an ill-advised flirtation with dance beats in the last decade, Moore has, thankfully, returned to what he does best – playing the blues. He is touring in support of his newly released album, “Close As You Can Get.” Finally, those with a nostalgia for the synth pop of yore can head over to Diaghilev on June 16 to catch Jimmy Sommerville, formerly of Bronski Beat and The Communards, for a rare Moscow appearance.
For more info and tickets, see www.parter.ru, www.kommersant.ru, and  www.jimmysommerville.co.uk.