On April 16 it seemed that the entire city of Moscow and all of the Russian intelligentsia came out to celebrate the 50th birthday of the great master musician Mikhail Pletnev. A splendid concert was given in Tchaikovsky Hall, after which the Pletnev himself, accompanied by close friends and guests, went to the Thai restaurant, The Blue Elephant, where a surprise awaited him.
   Red carpet and fireworks led up to the restaurant entrance, where floodlights brightened his way into the tropical jungle of the interior. Who was responsible for this lavish display?
   Milka Kresoja is not only the owner of The Blue Elephant, but a friend of Pletnev, and told us about the artist. “His success makes sense to me. Master Pletnev speaks 12 languages, including Thai, and my own Serbian language. He maintains a healthy lifestyle, he’s interested in the East, he pilots his own plane. Everything Mikhail Pletnev does, is done at the highest level, with complete attention to details and inner devotion. We understand that here, because he is unique in the same way that our Royal Thai cuisine restaurant is unique in Moscow, down to the name itself. Blue is the color of the Royal family in Thailand, and the elephant (according to Thai belief) is the protector of science, culture and art.
   In our restaurant, we combine the wisdom and traditions of the East with the contemporary idea of spa-cuisine. Moreover, I am personally fond of Pletnev and attend practically all his concerts. I never stop being surprised by his talents.”
   In our time, show business has taken over most of the musical space in our lives. But the creative activity of Mikhail Pletnev is like a saving oasis for admirers of classical music.
   For three years the Master has been bonding us with the immortal works of the great modern composers, presenting them to us as a priceless gift. He is one of the best artists today, a musical genius who shares his talent with everybody who reaches for good music, and who wants to change life for the better.
   The cake presented to Pletnev is worthy of some attention too: a confectionary work of art on a gilded foundation with chocolate harps, music clefs and sugar orchids.