Bellini

Venice's favourite son and the father to the generation that produced Titian and Tintoretto, Giovanni Bellini is the subject of an interesting initiative organised by the Galleria dell' Academia. 'Colore ritrovato - Bellini a Venezia' is, as the title suggests, an exhibition of recently restored works by this master of colour and composition. Beginning at the Accademia itself, a map will lead you to a collection of churches and other galleries in Venice with newly cleaned and repaired paintings. A good way to discover Venice and an ideal introduction to the world of this revered artist.

Billy Joel + Elton John

The Rocket Man joins the Piano Man tonight in a rock and roll double header. Flamboyant pianist Elton John has been scoring hits for the last three decades but it was his musical homage to Princess Diana that went on to become the biggest selling single of all time. Expect all the hits like 'I'm Still Standing' and 'Honky Cat'. Poignant ballads and inspired piano playing also characterise Grammy-winner Billy Joel, who has also gained legendary status over the last 30 years with hits like 'We Didn't Start the Fire' and 'It's Still Rock and Roll to Me'.

Katia and Marielle Labèque

Following some fairly heavy-going operatic repertoire in the Maggio Musicale festival, the Labèque sisters piano duo offers some light relief in a programme of music for two pianos. Schubert's beautiful F minor Fantasia opens, before they play a selection of Brahms' rousing, gypsy-like 'Hungarian Dances'. The second half consists of Saint-Saens much-loved 'Carnival of the Animals'.

Made in China

Gerry Stembridge, last seen directing Kate Hudson in 'About Adam', brings Mark O'Rowe's 'Made In China' to the stage in the Peacock. This is the story of Hughie and his motley crew, as they discuss the finer points of gang protocol - favourite crisp flavours, whose got the best jacket and martial art films. Meanwhile, Hughie's mum lies dying in hospital and he wants out. But as events conspire against him, the play unfolds to a bloody and violent conclusion.

Billy Budd

Britten's 'Billy Budd' returns to the Staatsoper with a new cast featuring celebrated Danish baritone Bo Skovhus in the title role which he first performed at the Houston Grand Opera in 1998. In his role début as Capitan Vere, American tenor Neil Schicoff will visit the Staatsoper for the first time since he famously refused to attend last year's Opera Ball in protest at the presence of the FPÖ in Austria's new government. The Phiharmonic will be conducted by Donald Runnicles, the Scottish-born music director of the San Francisco Opera, known for his interest in new music.

Motorhead

Refreshed by their '25 Years Doesn't Matter Any More' anniversary bash in Brixton this summer, vintage rockers Motorhead come to Rome to tout their latest 'Best of' double album. The band's line up has changed considerably over the years, though ex-Hawkwind bassist Lemmy remains a fixture, screaming out such soulful gems as 'Wake the Dead' and 'Crash and Burn'. For all heavy metallers worthy of the name, it's time to get out the air guitars and start some serious head-banging.

Amber

It is easy enough to overlook the obvious, but this stylish hotel restaurant with generous frontage on Michigan Avenue across from the glittering new Nordstrom store has been quietly transformed from a glorified coffee shop. Decorated in stark black and white but with warm amber lamps on tables, it is hung with John Hendry's historic Chicago urban landscapes. The signature dish is duck breast roasted with a sweet-and-sour apricot glaze, but the menu serves up excellent steaks and chops at prices less than you'd expect in an eatery of this calibre.

Adam Bradley

Bradley is a hot young sculptor who works with found objects, turning them into vaguely grotesque animalistic poses or perhaps crucifixions. 'I try to bring back the gesture' is how Bradley explained his art and he succeeds in a compelling and unusual way. Hard to look at and hard to look away from, this might be the time to take in or buy Bradley's art and have the pleasure of saying 'I remember when he was just showing locally and hardly anyone knew his name...'