Classical Concert

Leonard Bernstein’s Youth Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues for more information)
Aug. 18

In time for the 20th anniversary of the death of conductor Leonard Bernstein, conductor Seo Hui-tae will take the baton in a concert that invites youths to ponder the meaning of music. The program includes the “William Tell” overture by Rossini, “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” by Mozart and “The Flight of Bumble-Bee” by Rimsky-Korsakov. Tickets cost from 15,000 to 45,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6377-1250.

Summer Vacation Project
Performance Hall and Concert Hall, Dream Forest Arts Center
Aug. 6-15

Dream Forest Arts Center presents a relay of performances for the younger audience ranging from “gukak” (traditional Korean music) to classical music and plays. Concerts will feature Korean folksongs, classics including “Nocturne Op. 9-2,” “ Etude, Op. 10-3,” “ Polka” and more by Quartet X. Maestro Geum Nan-sae will also provide explanations. In the Performance Hall, musicals and plays will be staged. Tickets cost 5,000 to 10,000 won. For more information, visit www.dfac.or.kr. Located near exit 3 of Mia Samgeori Station on subway line 4.

SAC Family Music Festival 2010
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Aug. 7-22

Every weekend in August, a music festival will bring classical tunes that many, including those new to the genre, might recognize. The music will be accompanied by broadcaster Yoo Jung-A’s comments to help better appreciate Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64,” Beethoven’s “Symphony No.8 in F major, Op. 93,” Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op. 36,” Dvorak’s “Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104” and more. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

A Filetta
Centennial Hall, Yonsei University Culture and Art Center
Aug. 31

A cappella group A Filetta, meaning “power of life” in Corsica, will perform for the first time in Korea. The seven-member male ensemble has released over 10 albums and was featured in the original soundtrack of the film “Himalaya,” which won the Cesar Awards-Best Film Music at the 2000 Cannes International Film Festival. They will sing 17 heavenly songs without intermission for 70 minutes. Tickets cost 66,000 to 77,000 won. For more information, call (070) 8683-3787. Located near exit 3, 4 and 5 of Sinchon Station, subway line 2.

2010 SAC Summer Chamber Music
Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Aug. 10-15

Seoul Arts Center (SAC) presents a five-day classical concert series that both parents and children can enjoy. Various pieces will be played ranging from classics to contemporary music including “Serenade for 13 Wind Instruments in E-flat major, Op. 7” by R. Strauss, “Petit Symphonie” by C. Gounod, and “Neuf pieces caracteristiques” by J. Francaix. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000.

Opera ‘La Cenerentola’
Headoji Theater, Ansan Arts Center
Aug. 21-22

Though based on the fairytale “Cinderella,” this Rossini opera is devoid of glass slippers or fairy godmothers. Instead a philosopher helps Cinderella attend the royal ball to meet the prince disguised as a servant. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 40,000 won. For more information, call (080) 481-4000. Located near Gojan Station on subway line 4.

Family opera ‘The Magic Flute’
Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
Aug. 12-15

Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” will being staged in its original German language. The Queen of the Night asks Tamino, a young prince, to save her daughter but it turns out that it was the queen herself who is holding the princess captive. Christopher Lee, a rising young artist, will conduct.

Opera `Turandot’
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Aug. 14-26

Puccini’s ``Turandot’’ will be staged to celebrate the 10th anniversary of SAC Family Opera under the baton of conductor Choi Hee-Chuhn and to the mise-en-scene of director Chang Young-a. The beautiful but cold-hearted Princess Turandot is skeptical about love but Prince Calaf risks his life to win her heart. Tickets cost 40,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s `Mahler Series I’
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Aug. 26

The first of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s Mahler Series will bring together Maestro Chung Myung-whun, soprano Lee Myung-joo and mezzo-soprano Petra Lang for the composer’s ``Symphony No.2 `Resurrection.’” This year marks the 150th anniversary of Mahler’s birth as well as the 100th anniversary of his death, and the serial concerts will continue for 18 months to cover his entire repertoire. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, contact (02) 3700-6300

Chamber Concert `Rendez-Vous’
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Sep. 4

Three rising young classical music stars _ Korean-German violinist Kim Su-Yoen, double bassist Sung Min-jae and pianist Elizabeth Joy Roe _ will take the stage together. The program includes ``Etude Fantasy for Piano’’ by John Corigliano, ``Liebesfreud’’ by Kreisler, ``Partita for Solo Violin No.2 in D minor, BWV 1004’’ by J.S. Bach and ``Four Seasons in Buenos Aires for Trio’’ by Astor Piazzolla. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 780-5054.

Big Tickets

Stevie Wonder Live in Seoul
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Aug. 10

American music icon Stevie Wonder will hold a concert in Korea as part of Hyundai Card’s Super Concert series. The singer-songwriter will offer fans his hit numbers such as “You are the Sunshine of My Life,” “I Just Called to Say I Love You,” and “Isn’t She Lovely” among others. Tickets cost 77,000 won to 176,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit privia.hyundaicard.com.

Chang Han-na’s ‘Absolute Classic’
Seongnam Arts Center *
Aug. 14-28

Cellist and debutant conductor Chang Han-na will hold the 2010 season of “Absolute Classic,” an international music festival for youths. This year, her teacher, Maestro Lorin Maazel, will participate in the event. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. Call (02) 2232-1148.

Seven Stars Chamber Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Aug. 23

One of the most popular seasonal programs, Seven Stars brings together Maestro Chung Myung-whun, who will play the piano along with Kim Sun-wook, as well as cellists Yang Sung-won and Young Song (Song Young-hoon), violinist Kim Su-yoen, violist Kim Yu-ra and double bassist Sung Min-jae. They will play Handel’s ``Passacaglia in G minor for Violin and Cello,’’ Beethoven’s ``Piano Trio No.7 in B-flat major, Op. 97 `Archduke,’” Schubert’s ``Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D.667 `Trout.’” Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 518-7343 or visit www.cmikorea.co.kr.

Museums

Calligraphy and History
Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Aug. 31

To mark the 100th anniversary of the forced annexation of Korea by Japan, Seoul Arts Center presents a historical exhibition through calligraphy. Tickets cost 2,000 to 5,000 won.

Rodin: Retrospective
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Aug. 22

More than 180 sculptures and watercolor sketches are on show at Korea’s largest ever Auguste Rodin exhibition. Admission is 12,000 won. For more information visit www.rodinseoul.com. Located behind Deoksu Palace near City Hall Station on subway lines 1 and 2.

The Pulitzer Prize Picture Exhibition
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Aug. 29

Over 100 pictures that won the Pulitzer Prize, the Nobel Prize of the media world, are on display. The photographs tell stories in history and everyday life reflecting happiness, anger, sadness and joy by capturing critical moments. Tickets cost from 6,000 to 10,000 won. Visit pulitzerkorea.com.

White Porcelain Jars: Embracing Joseon Ideals and Rituals
Fine Arts Gallery II, National Museum of Korea
Through Nov. 14

The exhibition is designed to show off the unique features of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) ceramics through its jars. Such jars as the placenta jar, burial ware and jar with dragon motif were created for specific purposes with the unique culture and the aesthetic of the Joseon royal family at work only within the court. Located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.

Pop & Jazz

Lee Seung-hwan Live Concert
Samsung Hall, Ewha Womans University
Aug. 12-22

“The king of live performances,” Korean rock star Lee Seung-hwan will hold a series of concerts on Thursdays next month featuring tracks on his 10th album. The crowd will be able to feel his energy in the intimate venue as he is set to sing for 120 minutes non-stop. Tickets cost 88,000 on Thursdays and 99,000 on Fridays and weekends. For more information, call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Ewha Womans University Station on subway line 2.

2010 Summer Week & T
Naksan Beach, Yangyang County of Gangwon Province
Aug. 6-7

Hip-hop icon Kanye West and fellow artist Lupe Fiasco are to due to crash the summer beach festival along with famous local artists DJ DOC, Drunken Tiger and more. Admissions for one day cost 120,000 won or 160,000 won for two. SK Telecom users are entitled to a 30-percent discount. For more information, visit www.summerweeknt.com. Take a bus at Seoul Express Bus Terminal, Dong Seoul Terminal, or Sangbong Bus Terminal to Yangyang Express Bus Terminal. From there, transfer to Bus 9 or 9-1 and get off at Naksan Beach.

Tierney Sutton: Trio Revolution
Baekam Art Hall
Aug. 21

Born in Wisconsin in 1963, Tierney Sutton is a talented jazz vocalist who had been twice nominated for the Grammy’s ``Best Jazz Vocal Album.’’ She will be holding a concert in Korea for the first time. The program features widely-known jazz numbers such as ``Autumn Leaves,’’ ``Waltz for Debby’’ and ``It’s Only a Paper Moon,’’ but interpreted in new ways. Tickets cost 33,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6352-6636 or visit www.baekamhall.com. Located near exit 8 of Samseong Station on Line 2.

Dance

St. Petersburg State Ballet on Ice
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Aug. 11

The Saint-Petersburg State Ballet will cool down the summer heat with its Russian-rooted figure skating and ice dancing. Two famous fairy tales will be performed: “Cinderella” on Aug. 8 and “Sleeping Beauty” from Aug. 10 and 11. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 548-4480.

`The Nutcracker’ by George Balanchine
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Aug. 15-22

Cool the summer heat with ``The Nutcracker,’’ which is usually a Christmas treat. An original version by George Balanchine, who is known as ``the Mozart in the field of dance,’’ will be staged in Korea for the first time featuring one of the best American ballet troupes, the Oregon Ballet Theater. Over 100 dancers and splendid stage sets will create a most fascinating show. Tickets cost 20,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.thenutcracker.co.kr.

Black Sea Cultural Festival
Small Hall Dal, National Theater of Korea
Through Aug. 8

Hosted by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and organized by Seoul Section of the UNESCO International Dance Council, the festival offers a chance to experience folk dances from countries surrounding the Black Sea including Bulgaria, Ukraine, Georgia and Turkey. The program also includes an exciting instrumental crossover between folk bands of Turkey and Korea. Admission is free of charge. For more information, visit www.blackseafestival.com. Located near exit 2 of Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3.

Baby: Battle B-boy
Hongdae B-boy Theater
Open run

This energetic break dance show is a spectacle with a great story. An unskilled B-boy, Han, is an outcast. But one day, his life changes when he learns Korean traditional dance from a lovely young girl. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 323-5233. Located near exit 5 of Hongik University station on line 2.

Legend of Flower
Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Walkerhill Theatre
Open run

Experience both traditional and modern music through this dance production. The performance will feature four acts under the themes “Flower,” “Water and Fire,” “Wind” and “Golden Earth.” Tickets cost from 60,000 to 300,000 won, including dinner. Visit www.legendofflower.com or call (02) 455-5000. Take the free shuttle bus at Gangbyeon Station, line 2, or Gwangnaru Station, line 5.

Plays & Musicals

Billy Elliot
LG Arts Center*
Aug. 13-open run

The musical “Billy Elliot” will be staged in Korea as the first non-English production in Asia. In England during the historic 1984-85 coal miners’ strike, a young boy Billy pursues his dream to become a ballerino in secret. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3446-9630.

Kiss Me, Kate
Main Hall “Hae,” National Theater of Korea
Through Aug. 14

Under director and choreographer David Swan, a love comedy based on Shakespeare’s “The Taming of the Shrew” has been transformed into “Kiss Me, Kate.” The musical premiered in 1948 on Broadway and was a big hit, and now big local stars including Nam Kyung-joo, Choi Jung-won and K-pop star Ivy feature in the Korean edition. Tickets cost 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 577-1987. Located near exit 2 of Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3.

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, featuring a dark love triangle, has returned 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 Two Gentlemen of Verona
M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Through Aug. 28

Shakespeare’s play “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” is being staged as a musical. The love comedy portrays a conflict between friendship and love as two friends, Valentine and Proteus, fall in love with the same woman. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.

Jack the Ripper
Seongnam Arts Center*
Through Aug. 22

A reproduction of “Jack the Ripper” is on stage for Korean fans. It is based on a true series of cruel muder cases in 1888 London. Though the actual case remains unsolved, the musical unveils the truth behind the mystery. Tickets cost 30,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.jacktheripper.co.kr or call (031) 783-8000.