Classicial Concerts

Berliner Philharmoniker with Simon Rattle
Seoul Arts Center*
Sejong Performing Arts Center* (See ‘Venues’ on the right for more information)
Nov. 15 and 16

Berliner Philharmoniker will again visit Korea. In 2005 when the orchestra held a concert in Korea for the first time in 20 years, the ensemble promised it would hold a triennial concert for Korean fans. “Symphony No. 9 in D major” by G. Mahler and “Symphony No. 9 in D minor” by A. Bruckner will be played under the guidance of conductor Sir Simon Rattle. Tickets cost 50,000 to 450,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6303-7700 or (02) 580-1300 (Seoul Arts Center).

Trio Owon
LG Arts Center*
Nov. 6

Cellist Yang Sung-won and his classical group Trio Owon will make its first official debut in Korea on Nov. 6 at the LG Art Center. The trio — Yang, pianist Emmanuel Strosser and violinist Olivier Charlier — borrowed their name from legendary Korean painter Jang Seung-up (1843-1897) best known as the character in the film “Painted Fire” (2002) by South Korean master Im Kwon-taek. The group is set to play the pieces of the greatest German Romantic musicians in the 19th century, Schumann, Mendelssohn and Brahms. Tickets cost 30,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

Il Gardellino
LG Arts Center*
Oct. 2

World-famous Baroque ensemble Il Gardellino will hit the stage for the first time in Korea. Founded in Belgium in 1988, the group borrows its name from Vivaldi’s flute concerto and features the traverso, oboe, harpsichord, violin and viola. Oboist and leader Marcel Ponseel will play Alessandro Marcello’s “Oboe Concerto in D minor.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

Richard YongJae O’Neill ’Preghiera’
Seoul Arts Center*
Oct. 8-9

Violist Richard Yongjae O’Neill will present tracks from his sixth solo album “Preghiera” accompanied by the Wurttemberg Chamber Orchestra led by conductor Ruben Gazarian. After entering the public spotlight through a TV documentary as a Korean adoptee, the violist has been captivating fans with his music. The program includes “Impromptu Op. 5 - No. 5 in B minor, No. 6 in E Major” by Sibelius and “Kol Nidrei for the Viola and String Orchestra” by Bruch. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 741-1763-5.

Sir James Galway Flute Recital
Seoul Arts Center*
Oct. 2

Flutist Sir James Galway nicknamed “The Man with the Golden Flute” will hit the stage at Seoul Arts Center. For this performance, Galway will be on stage with his wife, Jeanne, who is also a world-famous flute player, and pianist Michael McHale, playing “Fantasie for Flute & Piano Op 79” by Faure, “Andante and Rondo for 2 Flutes” and “Piano Op.25” by Franz Doppler and more. Tickets cost 30,000 to 12,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.

Russell Sherman Piano Recital
Seoul Arts Center*
Sept. 27

American pianist Russell Sherman is set to hold a recital on Sept. 27 at the Seoul Arts Center. Since he made his debut at the age of 15 in New York, Sherman’s passion for classical music has endured over 65 years, writing a book about a piano playing and educating young artists. “Arabeske in C Major, Op. 18 by R. Schumann” and “Sonata in B minor S. 178 by F. Liszt” are scheduled to be played for this performance. Tickets cost 40,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-2513.

Ashkenazy Piano Duo Recital
Seoul Arts Center*
Oct. 12

Russian maestro Vladimir Ashkenazy is planning to give a piano recital with his son, Vovka Ashkenazy, on Oct. 12 at the Seoul Arts Center. Since he announced his retirement as a solo pianist in 2007, Vladimir has been absorbed in his position as a principal conductor and director for the European Union Youth Orchestra and Sydney Symphony. He rarely appears on stage as a pianist performing with family members. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.

Andrei Gavrilov Piano Recital
Seoul Arts Center*
Sept. 24

Russian pianist Andrei Gavrilov will be performing on Sept. 24 at the Seoul Arts Center after holding over 60 concerts in Russia. Gavrilov visited Korea in 2003 and performed “French Suites” by J.S. Bach at that time. In addition to this, he was chosen as one of the great pianists of the 20th century by the Philips Music Group. The program for this concert consists of “Selection from Chopin Nocturnes” and “Prokofiev Piano Sonata No. 8 in Bb (’War Sonata no.3’), Op. 84.” Tickets cost 40,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call 02-3463-2466.

Big Tickets

Daakilmi
Sejong Performing Arts Center*
Sept. 30

The Seoul Metropolitan Traditional Music Orchestra, established in 1965 as the first Korean orchestra, will give foreign audiences an opportunity to enjoy high-quality traditional Korean culture, presenting the harmony of traditional music (gukak) with other traditional branches, such as tea etiquette, poetry, dance, calligraphy and pictures. Tickets cost 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1188.

Yanni
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Oct. 14

Greek New Age pianist Yanni will hold a mega concert and offer beautiful melodies to Korean fans on Oct. 14 at the Olympic Park. The concert, designed to celebrate both the 40th anniversary of Hyundai Department Store and Yanni’s newly released album “Truth of Touch,” will be an opportunity to hear his songs loved all over the world, such as “Aria” and “Santorini,” with grand live stage settings. Tickets cost 99,000 to 270,000 won. For more information, (02) 3141-3488.

2011 Rain The Best Show
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Sept. 24-25

K-pop singer Rain’s first tour in Korea will kick off this August in Busan, and wind down on the stage at Olympic Park in Seoul on Sept. 24 and 25. The all-around entertainer, with achievements both as a singer and movie star, has gained popularity throughout Asia and even in Hollywood. In 2010 he became the first Korean star to win an award at the MTV Movie Awards. This will be the last concert tour for Rain before joining the Army at the end of this year. Tickets cost 55,000 to 165,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3788-4827 or (02) 2581-3551.

Rush Hour Concert
LG Arts Center*
Sept. 27, Oct. 11, Nov. 3
The LG Arts Center has been holding a series of concerts at 7 p.m. for office workers that usually suffer from heavy traffic jams during that time. In September, the chamber orchestra Camerata Antiqua Seoul will play popular songs that appear in commercials and film scores. In October, pianist Bae Jang-eun, winner of the 2007 Korean Music Awards, will perform jazz tunes. In November, indie band Kingston Rudieska will perform ska music, which is rooted in Jamaican culture and considered the origin of reggae music. The concerts will last an hour, and tickets cost 15,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

X-Japan live in Seoul
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Oct. 28

Japanese heavy metal band X-Japan will hold a concert in Korea on Oct. 28. X-Japan has been much loved since its debut in 1985 with “I Will Kill You” and has created sensational trends as an Asian pioneer of “visual rock.” The band reunited in 2007 after its breakup in 1997. Advance ticket sales will begin in August. For more information, call (02) 548-0597~8.

The Real Group
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Sept. 27

The Real Group, a successful a cappella quintet from Sweden, will be on stage to welcome the autumn season. Sticking to jazzy arrangements, this group has composed and played a wide range of songs mixed with Swedish pop melodies, since its debut in 1987. In particular, “I Sing You Sing” is an introductory song much loved by a cappella beginners. “Words” and “Small talk” are often covered by many a cappella ensembles all over the world. The group is famous in Korea for performing at the opening ceremony of the 2002 World Cup, representing Europe. Tickets cost 40,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.

Museums

Ancient Writings and Thereafter
National Museum of Korea
Oct. 4 - Nov. 27

The museum will feature about 400 artifacts related to ancient Asian writings and letters, aiming at shedding new light on the relationship between ancient people’s life and writing culture. For this exhibition, “A Rubbed Copy of the Inscription on King Gwanggaeto’s Monument” will be displayed for the first time. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9461.

Pop & Jazz

Yi Sung-yol ‘Why We Fail’
Mary Hall, Sogang Univ.
Through Sept. 24

Celebrating the release of his third album, singer songwriter Yi Sung-yol will perform at the Mary Hall of Sogang University for a month. For this concert, he made all the videos first-hand and played a role in directing, from the visual effects to stage settings. Since his debut in 1997 as a member of the modern rock band U&ME Blue, Yi has become well-known by singing original soundtracks for several Korean films and dramas. His first solo album ranked 86th among the 100 best albums in Korean pop music history. Tickets cost 55,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Dae-heung Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 511-0380.

Naomi & Goro Bossa Nova Concert
Yonsei University Culture & Art Center
Oct. 7

Bossa nova duo “Naomi & Goro” — vocalist Naomi Fuse and guitarist Ito Goro — will present its “sweet bossa nova” melodies to Korean fans after its first solo concert in 2010. For this performance, acoustic group “One More Chance,” singer Lee Sang-soon and bossa nova vocalist Hyo-ki will appear on stage as special guests. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. Located near exit 3 and 4 of Sinchon Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 2658-3546.

Dance

Kang Hye-ryeon Dance Project ’Swept Away’
Mary Hall, Sogang Univ.
Oct. 7-8
Choreographer Kang Hye-ryeon who has been expressing the beauty of minimalism with her own sensuous steps is set to present her new piece “Swept Away” which talks about time. This is the fourth performance combining all her previous pieces which describe the stories of water, wind and light. Tickets cost 20,000 to 40,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Dae-heung Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 3216-1185.

2011 Kim Myung-sook Nulhui Dance Company Performance ’Unlimited Possibility’
Seoul Arts Center*
Sept. 24
As the sixth performance of the choreography series “Space,” which has been on stage since 2002, the dance company attempts to put on a radical and rare piece to satisfy audiences’ five senses by constantly transforming stage settings. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, (02) 3277-2590.

Akram Khan Company ‘Vertical Road’
LG Arts Center*
Sept. 30-Oct. 1

British choreographer and dancer Akram Khan returns to the local stage. Khan gained international prominence by appearing opposite French ballet dancer Sylvie Guillem in “The Sacred Monsters” in 2007 and then Juliette Binoche for the dance drama “in-i.” “Vertical Road” marks his return to pure movements. Moves in this performance are inspired by the religious aspects of “vertical ascension” stressed by Islamism and Christianity. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

Mid-time Fantasy Dance Performance
The National Theater of Korea
Through Dec. 13

The National Theater of Korea is offering a weekly noon program introducing traditional dance performances every Tuesday. Eight different performances featured by the National Theater Company will be staged along with detailed explanations for audiences. Tickets cost 5,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Dong-guk Univ. Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114.

Ballet Nacional de Espana
LG Arts Center*
Oct. 6-9

Audiences can enter the dynamic world of flamenco and Spanish dance at this unique performance. Since its founding as the National Dance Company in 1978, “Ballet Nacional de Espana” has achieved international fame due to its outstanding flamenco and traditional Spanish dance performances. Extending beyond dance, the company has started borrowing the music of Manuel de Falla and Joaquin Rodrigo as well as Picasso’s stage art. Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

Plays & Musicals

Urfaust
Myeongdong Theater
Through Oct. 3

The theater has invited a foreign director for the first time to stage Goethe’s “Urfaust,” an earlier version of Goethe’s masterpiece “Faust.” David Bosch, the youngest among the candidates, was selected and has collaborated with Korean actors and staff. Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 6 of Euljiro 1-ga Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 727-0929 or 1644-2003.

Dallae’s Story
Art Hall, Garden Five
Sept. 28-Oct. 2

“Dallae’s Story,” a non-verbal puppet show, is returning to the local stage after touring Japan, Spain, France, Denmark and Estonia. Based on the story of the Korean War in the 1950s, the piece does not directly talk about the war itself, but portrays the efforts of a family to overcome hardship in wartime. The performance features traditional Korean music, simple but effective sets, and a unique mixture of performers and puppets. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Jangji Station on subway line 8. For more information, call (031) 836-2993.

Mamma Mia!
D-Cube Arts Center
Through Feb. 26

Broadway hit musical “Mamma Mia!,” based on the songs of ABBA, such as “Dancing Queen” and “Waterloo,” is currently on stage as a Korean production. “Mamma Mia!” premiered in Korea in 2004 and has held more than 800 local performances, attracting more than a million viewers. Tickets cost 40,000 to 110,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Sindorim Station on subway line 1 or 2. For more information, call (02) 2211-3000.