Bass Youn Kwang-chul in Recital
Hoam Art Hall*
Through May 28
Praised by The New York Times as “standing small, singing big, all sulfur and zest,” bass Youn Kwang-chul is holding two recitals. The internationally acclaimed singer performs music by Robert Schumann as well as classical Korean songs. Tickets cost 50,000 won. For more information call (02) 751-9607~10.
SUJI Opera ‘La Traviata’
Seoul Arts Center*
May 27-29
SUJI Opera, led by artistic director Suji Park, will stage Verdi’s opera “La Traviata.” Mariella Devia, an Italian soprano known for performing many roles in the bel canto repertoire, will play the tragic heroine Violetta. Roberto Gianola will conduct. Tickets cost 30,000 to 300,000 won. For more information call (02) 542-0350.
Pianist Vladimir Ovchinikov Concert
June 12
Russian pianist Vladimir Ovchinikov will hold a concert in time for the 200th anniversary of Franz Liszt’s birth. He will play solo pieces by Liszt for the first half of the concert while the Millennium Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Seo Hee-tae, will join him for the second half. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information call (02) 6377-1252.
The Four Cellists
Busan Citizen’s Hall, Keimyung Art Center, Seoul Arts Center*
June 24-26
Four cellists — Korea’s Young Song (Song Young-hoon), China’s Li-Wei, Switzerland’s Joel Marosi and Sweden’s Claes Gunnarsson — will tour Busan (June 24), Daegu (June 25) and Seoul (June 26). The virtuosos will perform not only standard classics but also tango and contemporary pieces featured on film soundtracks. Tickets cost 33,000 to 100,000 won. For more information call (02) 2658-3546.
Arts Meet Opera
Chungmu Art Hall
June 21
A special opera gala will bring artists with different vocal styles. Soprano Kim Soo-yeon, a judge on the talent show “Operastar 2011,” award-winning tenor Ha Man-taek and musical actress Kim So-hyun will come together onstage. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. Located near exit 9 at Sindang Station on subway line 6. For more information call (02) 2658-3546.
Opera ‘Madame Butterfly’
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
A Korea-Japan co-production of Puccini’s tragic melodrama will hit the stage. Korean soprano Lee Hyun-sook and Japanese vocalist Ando Fumiko will share the lead role of Cio-Cio San. Maurizo di Mattia, known for his work in Rome and Verona, will direct while Giovanni Battista Rigon, also from Italy, will conduct the Insieme Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets cost 30,000 to 270,000 won. For more information call (02) 597-1950~2.
DITTO Festival
Seoul Arts Center, Hoam Art Hall*
June 23-July 3
Popular all-male chamber ensemble Ditto, led by violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill, will hold its annual summer festival. This year’s event will feature three programs: “Sharing Classical Music with Everybody,” “Worldwide Classical Rising Star and Various Attractive Program” and “Innovation and Inspiration, the 21st Century Interactive Classical Music Performance.” Pianist Lim Dong-hyek and violinist Shin Hyun-su will perform as special guests. Tickets cost 20,000 to 100,000 won. For more information call 1577-5266.
Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra
May 31-June 1
The Czech Republic’s oldest ensemble, the Prague Radio Symphony Orchestra, will give concerts in Seoul. Petr Vronsky will conduct the orchestra opposite pianist Konstantin Scherbakov for Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Tickets cost 50,000 to 200,000 won. For more information call (02) 3463-2466.
KBS Symphony Orchestra ‘Remembering Gustav Mahler’
KBS Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Through May 27
The KBS Symphony Orchestra invites Hahm Shin-ik to conduct its Master Series concert dedicated to Mahler. The orchestra performs “Lieder Eines Fahrenden Gesellen” and Symphony No. 2 in C minor, ‘Resurrection.’” Tickets cost 20,000 to 60,000 won. For more information call (02) 781-2237, 2241~4.
Varekai, Cirque du Soleil
Big Top Theater, Jamsil Stadium
Through May 29
The third visit of Cirque du Soleil to Korea, “Varekai,” is performed with vivid stage effects, music and stories of Icarus from Greek mythology. This exotic fusion of drama and acrobatics consists of 14 circus shows that go beyond one’s expectations. Tickets cost 60,000 to 220,000 won. Located near exit 5 and 6 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information call (02) 541-6235.
Ken Cowen’s ‘Dancing Pipes’
June 18
Every summer since 2008 the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts has been inviting world-famous musicians to play its large pipe organ. This year, reputed North American artist Ken Cowen will hold a recital with violinist Kim Nam-yoon. Ahead of the performance Cowen will give a special lecture on his music. Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information call (02) 399-1114~6.
Korea Opera Festival
June 23-July 24
The Korea National Opera team and other top local troupes will hold the 2nd edition of the festival, featuring select works. The lineup includes classic Italian pieces such as Bellini’s “The Puritans” and Puccini’s “Tosca,”as well as two homegrown operas gae” and “Memil-kkot-pil-muryup.” Family audiences can also tune into the children-friendly show “Siegfried’s Sword.” Tickets cost 20,000 to 150,000 won. For more information call (02) 586-5282, (063) 288-6807, (054) 453- 9926.
Linkin Park
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Sept. 8
American rock band Linkin Park will visit Korea for the third time after sellout concerts in 2003 and 2007. The upcoming performance will feature works from the group’s fourth album “A Thousand Suns,” which was released in 2010. The Grammy Award-wining, six-member band also celebrates the 15th year since its debut this year. Tickets cost 99,000 to 110,000 won. For more information call (02) 3141-3488.
Tea, Incense, and Carrying the Soul: Longquan Ware from the Sinan Wreck
National Museum of Korea
Through June 19
The exhibition showcases the time-honored beauty of Longquan wares recovered from the Sinan shipwreck from March 22 to June 19 at the Sinan Shipwreck Collection Room in the Asia Gallery. It features approximately 90 pieces of Longquan ware, including 20 that have never before been shown to the public. The museum focuses on not only its rare collection of Chinese artifacts but also various offshoot cultures. For more information call (02) 2077-9271. The museum is located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
The Origin and Development of the Korean Traditional Musical Instrument
Through June 26
In celebration of its 60th anniversary, the National Gugak Center is holding a special exhibition on traditional Korean “gugak” music. The exhibition displays precious sheet music, books, pictures, and instruments on loan from 28 museums. Located near exit 2 at Ichon station on subway line 4. For more information call (02) 2077-9459.
Venice Glass Fantasia
The exhibition is among events featured in the Sejong Center’s Creative Visual Art Festival. Works by world-famous Italian glassmakers from Murano Island, Venice, are on display. Visitors can admire contemporary works by Pino Signorett as well as traditional ones by artists of the Schiavon family. Italian glass art is different from that of northern Europe, since it features blowing techniques rather than carvings. Tickets cost 4,000 to 8,000 won. For more information call (02) 2289-5401.
Wednesday Jazz
Puccini Bar, Seoul Arts Center*
Through July 6
Seoul Arts Center is hosting free concerts every Wednesday afternoon from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. through July 6. Innovative pianist Kim Ga-on and his friends will showcase jazzy tunes on the orange grand piano at the Opera Theater’s Puccini Bar, providing a sweet lunch break for Seoulites. Performances are free of charge. For more information call (02) 580-1300.
Mongdang-Pencil with Kwon Hae-hyo
Welcomm Theater
Open run
The charity concert series narrated by Kwon Hae-hyo will continue for a yearlong run at the Welcomm Theater. The performances will feature popular actors and musicians such as Winter-play, the Kang San-ae band, Kang Huh-dal-lim, Kim Min-jong, Ahn Chi-hwan and Lee Ji-sang, among others. Proceeds will go to ethnic Korean students in Japan suffering in the aftermath of the recent earthquakes. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Located near exit 1 at Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3. For more information call 070-8613-5903.
RocKorea Midan City Concert
Midan City
June 4
A wide range of local and foreign bands will gather for an indie rock tribute concert. Korea-based foreign bands such as Lance Reegan-Diehl Band and Mirrorhouse as well as Korean bands, The Rocktigers and Minha Band will play. Tribute bands are also slated to reenact performances of rock legends Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones and Guns N’ Roses. Tickets cost 20,000 to 40,000 won. For more information call 010-8682-0803.
Keith Jarrett
June 2
Jazz pianist Keith Jarrett will hold a solo concert. Throughout his 30-plus-year career, he has surprised fans and musicians alike with an ever-evolving approach to music, and is expected to delight the local audience with an evening of eclectic improvisations on the keyboard. Tickets cost 50,000 to 180,000 won. Call (02) 399-1114 for more information.
1st Ballet Festival Korea
June 14
The Ballet Festival Korea will open its inaugural edition this summer. Titled “Life Is...” the festival celebrates the themes of birth, pain, love and death. Top Korean troupes including the Universal Ballet Company will showcase signature pieces, from classical works such as “Giselle” to contemporary ones such as “Tango for Ballet.” Tickets cost 10,000 to 80,000 won. For more information call (02) 587-6183.
Blue Lady
LG Arts Center*
June 9-10
“Blue Lady,”which featured in the 2008 Lyon Dance Biennale, makes its way to Seoul. Famous French art director Carolyn Carlson of CCN Roubaix choreographed the work featuring the Finish dancer Tero Saarinen. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information call (02) 2005-0114.
Please Look After Mom
The musical is based on celebrated author Shin Kyung-sook’s novel of the same name, which has become a bestseller not only in Korea but also in the United States. The story is dedicated to all the mothers in the world, as it portrays how a family’s members realize the importance of their mother after losing her. Tickets cost 30,000 to 90,000 won. Located near exit 9 at Sindang Station on subway line 6. For more information call (02) 577- 1987 or (02) 2230-6601.
Hedwig
KT&G SangSang Art Hall
Through Aug. 21
The rock musical is about a failed transgender rock singer from East Germany. The main cast features musical actors Choi Jae-woong and Jo Jung-seok as well as pop group Shinhwa’s Kim Dong-wan and screen star Kim Jae-wook. Tickets cost 50,000 to 65,000 won. Located near exit 2 at Samsung Station on subway line 2. For more information call 1544-1555.
Snow in March
Baek Sung-hee & Jang Min-ho Theater
Through June 5
This play has been noted for featuring exceptional performances by veteran thespians Baek Sung-hee and Jang Min-ho. The piece is about an old couple that must move out of their lifelong home, a “hanok” (traditional house), which they sold in order to pay off their grandson’s debt. Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 13 at Seoul station on subway line 4. For more information call (02) 3279-2233.
I’m You
Through June 6
“I’m You” draws inspiration from the life of Korean freedom fighter Ahn Jung-geun. But unlike other stories depicting Ahn, this play portrays his more personal side as the father of a family. The piece focuses on Ahn’s relationship with his son, Joon-saeng, to whom he passed on his life philosophies by saying “I’m you.” Popular actor Song-Il-gook plays both Ahn Joong-geun and Joon-saeng. Tickets cost 20,000 to 60,000 won. For more information call (02) 580-1300.
Midsummer
Through June 12
The play portrays 35-year-olds who hit an early mid-life crisis, as they realize their limitations and are worried about where their lives are headed. The poignant psychological drama addresses universal themes concerning human conditions and the meaning of hope. Tickets cost 25,000 to 50,000 won. For more information call (02) 580-1300.
Audition
Art-one Theater
Through July 24
Korea’s first homegrown concert musical “Audition” has been a steady seller in Daehangno, and is restaged featuring a new cast and setting. Moon Hee-jun, former member of K-pop group H.O.T. stars in this story about youths pursuing their dreams. Tickets cost 40,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway line 2. For more information call (02) 762-0010.