Soprano Shin Young-ok’s New Year’s Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center
Jan. 29
Soprano Shin Young-ok presents a New Year’s concert with the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Yeo Ja-kyung. The concert will feature the overture from Rossini’s “La Gazza Ladra” and Bizet’s “Ouvre Ton Coeur.” Tickets cost from 77,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 529-1923. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
2010 Matinee Concert
Concert Hall, Seongnam Art Center
Feb. 18
Seongnam Art Center presents a matinee concert featuring the KBS Symphony Orchestra. Popular baritone Kim Dong-gyu will provide commentary to facilitate an understanding of classical music. All tickets cost 24,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 783-8000. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang line.
Violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill’s Recital
March 5
Star violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill will perform at Seoul Arts Center this March. He will play songs from his new album “NORE-Songs without words” such as Brahms’s “Vier ernste Gesange, Op. 121,” and Rachmaninov’s “Vocalise.” Tickets cost from 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Baritone Kim Dong-gyu’s Concert
Feb. 23
Korea’s favorite baritone, Kim Dong-gyu, will give a concert with the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Yeo Ja-kyung. Russian soprano Veronika Dzhioeva will appear as a special guest. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2650-7481. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
BBC Symphony Orchestra
May 16
The BBC Symphony Orchestra, led by Czech conductor Jiri Belohlavek, will perform in Seoul. Violinist Chee-Yun (Kim Chee-yun) will appear as a soloist. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 200,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Pianist Lim Dong-hyek’s Recital
Feb. 27
One of the country’s most popular pianists, Lim Dong-hyek, will perform at Seoul Arts Center. Renowned for his interpretation of Chopin, Lim will play “Mazurka No. 4, Op.17” as well as Ravel’s “Gaspard de la Nuit” and Prokofiev’s “Piano Sonata No.6 in A major.” Tickets cost from 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02)548-4480. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Soprano Shim Yoon-ji’s Solo Recital
Kumho Art Hall
Jan. 30
Soprano Shim Yoon-ji’s recital is the fourth of the Kumho Young Artist Concert Series. The concert will feature Francais Poulenc’s “Airs chantes,” Johannes Brahms’s “Von ewiger Liebe,” and Richard Strauss’s “Heimliche Aufforderung.” All tickets cost 10,000 won. For more information, visit www.kumhoarthall.com or call (02) 6303-7700. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Seoul Metropolitan Chorus
Chamber Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Feb. 25-26
The Seoul Metropolitan Chorus will offer its 116th regular concert, led by conductor Lee Sang-hoon. The concert will feature Heinrich Schutz’s “Verleih uns Frieden genadiglich,” Johann Pachelbel’s “Magnificat in D” and Dietrich Buxtehude’s “Missa Brevis.” Tickets cost from 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Final Fantasy Orchestra: ‘Distant Worlds’
Feb. 6-7
Japanese video game music composer Nobuo Uematsu will present a concert with the Euro-Asian Philharmonic Orchestra and Grand Chorus of Seoul. The concert will feature title songs from the popular game “Final Fantasy.” Korean singer Lee Soo-young will join the concert as a special guest. Tickets cost from 33,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1681. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Concert for Youth With KCO String Quartet
Jan. 31
The KCO String Quartet presents a concert for youth with detailed explanation throughout the program for easier understanding. The quartet is comprised of violinists Im Jae-hong and Ahn Ji-yoon; violist Yoon Jin-won; and cellist Chung Jae-yoon. Tickets range from 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.intepark.com or call (02) 581-5404. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Love Concert
Feb. 12 & March 14
Seoul Arts Center presents Valentine’s and White Day concerts this February and March. The concerts will feature Liszt’s “Liebestraum,” Elgar’s “Salut d’Amour,” and Massenet’s “Meditation de Thais” with a special guest pianist Yiruma. Tickets range from 30,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Brand Korea Concert
Feb. 24
Renowned popera singer Rose Jang will hold a musical and popera gala concert. The concert will feature “All that Jazz” from the musical “Chicago,” “I Dreamed a Dream” from “Les Miserables” and “Memory” from “Cats.” Tickets range from 30,000 to 200,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02)581-5404. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Whitney Houston’s First Concert in Seoul
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park
Pop diva Whitney Houston will give her first concert in Korea as part of her “Nothing But Love World Tour.” Tickets cost from 70,000 to 180,000 won. A 20 percent discount is available for Hyundai Card users. For more information, visit ticket.yes24.com or call (02) 2167-7088. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Philharmonia Orchestra
Seoul Arts Center
May 4
The Philharmonia Orchestra, led by the Russian master pianist-conductor Vladimir Ashkenazy, will perform in Korea. Violin virtuoso Chung Kyung-wha will also return to the Seoul stage after a five-year absence to play with the orchestra. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Korean Chamber Orchestra’s 45th Anniversary Concert
March 16
The Korean Chamber Orchestra, which specializes in Baroque music, will offer a concert celebrating its 45th anniversary. The concert will feature conductor Piotr Borkowski, violinist Kim So-ock, saxophonist Greg Banaszak, oboist Satoki Aoyama, clarinetist Hidemi Mikai, hornist Makoto Kanaboshi and bassoonist Motoko Kawamura. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 150,000 won. Visit www.kco.or.kr or call (02) 592-5728. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
The Great Myth and Mystery of Peruvian Civilization, Inca
National Museum of Korea
Through March 28
Visitors are invited to explore the ancient Peruvian civilization, from the Chavin culture to the Inca Empire, and become immersed in an exotic and mysterious, yet strikingly scientific, world. Tickets cost 10,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-7862. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
Masterpieces of Italian Renaissance: Frescoes
Hangaram Art Museum
Through Feb. 21
Hangaram Art Museum offers an exhibition showcasing masterpiece frescoes of the Italian Renaissance, including works of Leonardo, Michelangelo and Raffaello. Tickets cost from 8,000 to 13,000 won. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Monet to Picasso
The exhibition “Monet to Picasso” at Hangaram Art Museum displays masterpieces from the Philadelphia Museum of Art, including works of Monet, Pisaro, Manet and Van Gogh. All tickets cost 13,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Cinderella
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center
Jan. 29-31
The Korea National Ballet Company will stage the enchanting tale of Cinderella in a modern rendition by renowned French choreographer Jean-Christophe Maillot. Tickets cost from 5,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 587-6181. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3
Todes
Walkerhill Theater, The Walkerhill Hotel
Open Run
Russian dance group Todes is bringing its energetic performance ― from ballet to break dancing to flamenco ― complete with colorful costumes, stage settings and music. Tickets cost from 70,000 to 300,000 won. Visit www.sheraton-walkerhill.com or call (02) 455-5000. Located at the Sheraton Grande Walkerhill. Shuttle buses are available from Gangbyeon and Gwanghwamun Stations on subways line 2 and 5.
Tchaikovsky
Feb. 4-7
The story of famous composer Tchaikovsky is brought to life through the elegant movements of the Korea National Ballet Company’s dancers. Choreographed by Boris Eifman, the work not only brings dynamic movements, but also edgy stage settings, eleborate costumes, and selections of the Russian composer’s music. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.kballet.org or call (02) 587-6181. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
The Backstreet Boys
Melon-AX Hall
Famous American boy band The Backstreet Boys will perform in Seoul this February. The concert is part of their “This Is Us Tour” to promote their latest album. All tickets cost 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5.
Psy & Kim Jang-hun
Incheon Samsan World Stadium
Singers Psy and Kim Jang-hun are holding a joint concert. The two are among the best entertainers in Korea, famous for their exciting and creative shows that have included a water show, flying around the stage on wires and never-ending encores. Tickets cost from 66,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1644-1702. Located near exit 2 of Bupyeong-gu Office Station on Incheon subway line 1.
Chicago Live in Seoul
Fencing Stadium, Olympic Park
Veteran rock band Chicago will give their second concert in Seoul in February. Chicago will perform their hit songs such as “If You Leave Me Now” and “It’s Hard to Say I’m Sorry.” The concert is part of their “2010 Asia Tour.” Tickets cost from 55,000 to 165,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3446-3226. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Jeff Beck’s First Live in Seoul
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
March 20
Guitar legend Jeff Beck will perform in Seoul for the first time. He’s acclaimed for his hit songs such as “Escape,” “Freeway Jam” and “Dirty Mind.” Tickets cost from 55,000 to 165,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Queen Seondeok
Woori Art Hall, Olympic Park
Through Jan. 31
The popular TV series “Queen Seondeok The Great” has been adapted for the stage, featuring top musical actress Lee So-jung, rising star Kang Tae-eul and costumes by designer Lie Sang-bong. Tickets range from 40,000 to 130,000 won. Call (02) 789-4884. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Mozart!
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
A local rendition of the Austrian musical will be staged with a star-studded cast: Xiah of TVXQ, Im Tae-kyung, Park Kun-hyung and Park Eun-tae will alternate playing the role of Mozart. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 130,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 6391-6333. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
The Phantom of the Opera
Charlotte Theater
Through Aug. 8
This Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is one of the world’s best-selling Broadway hits and has prompted huge growth in the Korean musical industry. The show has come back to Seoul after eight years. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 130,000 won. Call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.
The Gifts of the Magi
Live Theater, Daehangno
Through Feb. 24
The musical, based on O. Henry’s short stories, makes its Korea premiere. Rising musical actors such as Jung Ji-hwan, Park jin-pyo, Jung Jae-hoon and Kim Ji-yeon will perform in the Korean rendition. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 40,000 won. Call (02) 548-1141. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Take Care of My Mom
M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Jan. 29- March 23
Written by celebrated author Shin Kyung-sook, the book that recently set a record by selling 1.2 million copies will be produced as a play. Tickets range from 40,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 577-1987. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
All That Jazz
Blue Theater, Chungmu Art Hall
Jan. 23- April 25
Based on the American musical by Bob Fosse, the Korean version is introduced by Oh Un-sung, who is the former director of “Miss Saigon.” The musical will contain unique jazz choreography and music that will capture audiences’ attention. Tickets range from 35,000 to 45,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3141-3025. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.
Miss Saigon
Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex
March 13- April 4
One of the world’s most beloved musicals, “Miss Saigon,” will be put on stage in Korea for the first time in four years. Set in the 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War, it is a tragic tale of a woman abandoned by her American lover. Tickets range from 17,600 to 79,200 won during the preview session (March 13-19) and 22,000 to 99,000 won from March 20 to April 4. Call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.
Chicago
Opera House, Seongnam Art Center
Jan. 9- Feb. 28
The timeless hit musical “Chicago” will hit Seoul again, featuring a cast of stars, including In Soon-ee, Ock Ju-hyun, Choi Jung-won and Nam Kyung-ju. Tickets range from 40,000 to 110,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang line.
Hairspray
KEPCO Art Center
Through Feb. 7
The Broadway hit musical “Hairspray” is now on the Korean stage. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
Hedwig
KT & G Sangsang Madang
Through Feb. 28
The musical revolves around Hedwig, an East German transgendered rock musician, who chases after an ex-lover who plagiarized “her” songs. Tickets cost from 45,000 to 60,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3485-8700. Located near exit 2 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.
Wedding Singer
Grand Hall, Chungmu Art Hall
This is the Korean rendition of “The Wedding Singer,” the Broadway musical based on the 1998 film by the same name. The local premiere stars popular actors Hwang Jung-min and Park Gun-hyung. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 100,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.
Legally Blonde
COEX Artium
The Amanda Brown novel that inspired the hit film of the same name will come to life as a musical. Korean fans can enjoy the Asian premiere of the show. Tickets cost from 35,000 to 70,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 6 of Samsung Station on subway line 2.