Classical Concerts

Maksim Mrvica Concert

Seoul Arts Center*

July 6

Maksim Mrvica, a Croatian pianist nicknamed “The Piano Player,” is also a composer. Mrvica rose to fame immediately after the release of his first album and has since become a leading electric pianist of his generation. Some of his best known compositions are “The Bumblebee” and “Crotian Rhapsody.” Tickets cost 55,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6292- 9370.

Great Mountains Music Festival & School

Alpensia Concert Hall

Through Aug. 5

The Great Mountains Music Festival & School will be held in the midst of nature in the mountainous province of Gangwon. Two renowned artists — cellist Chung Myung-hwa and her sister violinist Chung Kyung-hwa — serve as artistic directors of this renowned chamber music festivals in Korea. This year, the annual festival will explore the relationship between dance and music. Tickets cost 40,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 725-3394.

Gidon Kremer & Kremerata Baltica

Seoul Arts Center*

Oct. 16

Gidon Kremer, a Latvian violinist and conductor, will perform with Kremerata Baltica, a chamber orchestra he founded that consists of young musicians from Baltic countries. The chamber orchestra won a Grammy Award in 2002 in Classical Music for recording Mozart.” They are returning to Korea after three years for a performance that will be a mixture of contemporary musical melodies and classical repertoire. Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

Big Tickets

Fourplay

Blue Square

June 29

Fourplay, a contemporary jazz quartet from the United States, will perform for Korean fans. The Grammy-nominated group received the Congressional Record from the U.S. congress, distinguishing it in the music industry. Fourplay seeks to limitlessly touch all dimensions of musical appreciation through jazz. Tickets cost 88,000 to 143,000 won. For more information, call (02) 830-6106.

Sensation: Ocean of White

Ilsan KINTEX

July 21

A Heineken-sponsored concert, “Sensation,” began in Amsterdam in 2000 and has finally made its way to Korea. The concert will fill 8 hours with stage shows, laser beams and dance performances. DJs include Mr. White, Funkagenda and many more will light up the night until dawn. Standing room only. Tickets cost 125,000 to 180,000 won. For more information call 1544-1555 or visit www.heinekein.com/kr.

2012 Jisan Valley Rock Festival

Jisan Forest Resort

July 27-29

The best of the best rock bands, Radiohead, Owl City, The Stone Roses, Bread Eye, and many more will perform at Jisan Forest Resort. This impressive line up of artists will play their most popular hit songs to the delight of fans. Tickets cost 225,000 won. For more information, call 1577- 3363, or visit www.valleyrockfestival.com.

UMF Korea

Olympic Stadium*

Aug. 3-4

The biggest party on earth, the world’s premiere electronic music festival, is coming to Asia for the first time. The festival will be held with musicians who are topping the charts, like Steve Aoki, Clazziquai, Tokyo Big Boy, Tiesto, and many more. Tickets cost 110,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3471-8957 or visit www.umfkorea.com.

Museums

Seoul in Rossetti’s Eyes

Seoul Museum of History

Through July 1

Carlo Rossetti was an Italian diplomat who came to Korea 110 years ago at the age of 26. Despite his short stay of only 200 days, he left a number of footprints in Seoul. The exhibition displays numerous photographs Rossetti took in Korea and with Koreans. Discover Seoul through the eyes of Rossetti. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 724-0274 or visit www.museum.seoul.kr.

The Civilization of Turkey: Emperors in Istanbul

National Museum of Korea

Through Sept. 2

Turkey is a nation where traditions of the East and the West coexist, as religions and cultures from both sides have settled and flourished there. The exhibition will display relics from the 3000 B.C. Anatolian civilization to the 19th century Ottoman Empire. Tickets cost 12,000 won. Located near exit 2, Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02)2077-9000 or visit www.istanbul2012.co.kr.

Korean Art from the United States

National Museum of Korea

Through Aug. 5

The National Museum of Korea brings some major Korean artworks from museums in the United States such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. The exhibition will feature artwork, including paintings from the Goryeo Kingdom that have never been seen by the Korean public. The exhibition will explore how Korean culture was introduced overseas. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.

Pop & Jazz

Wondergirls: Wonder World

Jamsil Stadium

July 7

From “Tell Me,” “So Hot” to “Nobody,” songs by the Wondergirls are among the the most well known K-pop songs in the world. Their songs have risen as far as to 78th on Billboard Hot 100 chart in late 2009. A five-member girl group affiliated withJYP Entertainment finally returns to the Korean stage for a bona-fide comeback after several years in the United States. Tickets cost 66,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

LeeSsang Season 2

Olympic Park*

July 14-15

LeeSsang, a popular Korean hip-hop duo will collaborate with many recognized artists including rapper-singer Yoon Mi-rae, and singers Big Mama and Hwayobi. The duo has released a total of seven albums to date. They will perform many of their songs that ranked in the top 10 Korean music chart. Tickets cost 77,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Eminem: Recovery Tour

Olympic Park*

Aug.19

Eminem, an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor will perform in Korea for the first time in support of his album “Recovery” released in 2010. Tickets cost 110,000 to 132,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488.

Dance

Romeo and Juliet

Seoul Arts Center*

July 1-7

Local ballet fans can soon watch Kenneth MacMillan’s most dramatic and thought-out ballet performance in “Romeo and Juliet.” Universal Ballet, a leading ballet groupe in Korea, will stage work based on the heartbreaking love story. The audience will be inspired by Shakespeare’s tragic romance delivered through dance. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

Swan Lake

Seoul Arts Center*

July 26-29

Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater presents “Swan Lake.” Set to the passionate music of Russian master composer Tchaikovsky, the work has been a classic favorite for ballet fans. Watch a beautiful love story, where Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette’s marriage promise is broken when evil genius attempts to destroy their love. Tickets cost 100,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2650-7481.

Pierre Rigal: Theater of Operations

LG Art Center

Sept. 14-15

Pierre Rigal, a French dancer and choreographer, is currently the most acknowledged dancer in Europe. After Rigal contributed in a workshop held in Korea last year, he was deeply inspired by the them. He will be collaborating with local dancers to bring to the audience a different and distinct performance. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

2012 American Ballet Theatre: Giselle

Seoul Arts Center*

July 18-22

“Giselle,” one of the most popular ballets, will be performed in Korea for the first time by the American Ballet Theatre. The ballet tells a story of a peasant girl named Giselle. Julie Kent and Paloma Herrera will play Giselle.
Kent and Herrera are two of the biggest stars of the New York-based company. Herrera joined the company at age 16 and became a principal only three years later. Also taking the lead role of Giselle is Korean dancer Seo Hee, who is the company’s first Korean to rise to the soloist rank. Tickets cost 16,500 to 400,000 won. For more information, call (02) 598-3119 or visit www. sac.or.kr.

Plays & Musicals

Mozart!

Sejong Center

July 10-28

Originally written in German, “Mozart!” premiered in Austria in October 1999. The Korean rendition, first held in 2010, also portrays the struggles and hardships of the Mozart. Tickets cost 30,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www. sejongpac.or.kr.

La Cage aux Folles

LG Arts Center

July 4-Sept. 4

The musical based on Harvey Fierstein’s award-winning novel revolves around a gay couple with complicated circumstances. Georges is a nightclub manager and his partner is Albin and the comedy unfolds when Georges’ son, Jean-Michel visits them. Tickets cost 60,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

Wicked

Blue Square

Open Run

Broadway blockbuster “Wicked” debuted in 2003 and is based on “The Wizard of Oz.” It is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and details the relationship between the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, and showing unexpected new sides to both characters. Tickets cost 50,000 to 160,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For more information, call 1577-3363.

Man of La Mancha

Charlotte Theater

Through Oct. 7

Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century masterpiece, “Don Quixote,” this memorable musical is based on Dale Wasserman’s book “Man of La Mancha.” It is a well known Broadway musical that won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical Award. “The Impossible Dream” is the theme song. Tickets cost 60,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Poongwallju

Culture Space NU

Through July 29

“Poongwallju,” means master of wind and the moon, and it is a homegrown musical about two men and a woman during the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-935 A.D.). Instead of traditional costumes, actors wear simple, modern black clothes to portray a love triangle involving Yeol, a charismatic male “gisaeng,” or Korean courtesan, his dearest friend Sa-dam and Queen Jinseong, who has everything except for the man she loves. Tickets cost 40,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Chicago, the Musical

D-Cube Arts Center

Through Oct. 7

The musical Chicago is known for delivering the hottest stage in the world. Some of the most recognized singers, Insooni and Ivy, will portray the most important characters. Chicago, which is based on actual criminals and crimes reported in 1926, played more than 6,200 performances on Broadway. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Hairspray

Chungmu Art Hall

Through Aug. 5

Based on the 1988 film “Hairspray,” the plot of the musical revolves around a teenager who dreams of dancing on “The Corny Collins Show.” When she wins the opportunity to do so, she becomes a celebrity overnight. The songs are 1960 dance style music, rhythm, and blues. The successful musical won a total of 11 awards, including eight Tony Awards and Best New Musical. Tickets cost 20,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2230-6601.

The National Chorus of Korea Debut Concert III

Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Center * (Refer to Venues listed on right for location/contact information)

June 11

The National Chorus of Korea is holding its third debut concert to select a new conductor for the chorus. Contestants include conductors Lee Sung-hoon and Kim Hong-soo, and the program is divided into three parts — mixed, male-only and female-only groups. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 won. For more information call 1588-7890.

Friendly Flute Ensemble 2nd Concert

Sejong Chamber Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

June 6

Nine talented flute players and a double bass player will introduce a wide variety of music from baroque to contemporary. The program includes the overture from the opera “Nabucco” by Verdi, the finale from Haydn’s “Symphony No. 6 ‘Le Matin,’” Mendelssohn
Scherzo, Op.61-1” and more. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-0945.

Sejong Soloists Society ‘The Red Priest Series’

Hoam Art Hall*

June 15

Sejong Soloists Society named its 2010project “The Red Priest Series” after Vivaldi’s nickname. Young internationals artists will play Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Strings in F major, RV 142,” “Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor, RV 531,” Mozart’s “Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K. 478” and Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70.” Programs are subjected to change. Tickets cost 30,000. For more information, 02)751-9607.

Dmitri Berlinsky with Boris Slutsky

Youngsan Art Hall

June 24

A professor in the music department of Michigan State University, violinist Dmitri Berlinsky will hold a concert with pianist Boris Slutsky and Lee Jung-wha, his student who teaches at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. The program includes Beethoven’s “Sonata No. 5 ‘Spring,’” Prokofiev’s “Sonata No. 2 in D major, Op. 94a,” Ravel’s “Tzigane” and more. Tickets cost 50,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-0945. Located near exit 1 of Yeoinaru Station line 5.

2010 To Know, To Love

Youngsan Art Hall

June 18

Dukyoung Organization is holding a concert in the hopes of embracing Korea’s multicultural communityThe Dukyoung Trio, consisting of only percussion players, will perform Dvorak’s “Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90 ‘Dumdy’”; Ensemble Rhythmico will offer “Holy Mozart” and “Mozart at the Opera”; and the Rainbow Korea Chorus will sing Korean traditional songs. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call 02)586-0945. Located near exit 1 of Yeoinaru Station line 5.

Schumann’s 200th Anniversary Series 1

Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center*

June 26

A vocal performance will be held in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Robert Schuman, featuring songs inspired by the love story between the composer and his wife, the pianist Clara. Soprano Jang Hyung-joo, a professor at Yonsei University, and Kim Sae-il, the winning tenor from the 8th International Lied Competition of the Japan Schubert Society, will sing duets including “Liebhabers Staendchen, Op. 34-2” and “Tanzlied, Op. 78-1.” Tickets cost 20,000 won to 30,000. For more information, call 1577-7766.

Beethoven Cycle 4

Gyeonggi Arts Center

June 4

The Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra will play Beethoven’s masterpieces including “Symphony No.4 in B major, Op.60” and “Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61,” which were composed during the happier periods of the composer’s life. Kim So-ok, a noted violinist in Europe, will appear as soloist. Tickets cost 5,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, visit artsuwon.or.kr or call (031) 228-2813~5. Located near Suwon Station on subway line 1.

Opera ‘Don Pasquale’

M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

June 23-27

The Seoul Metropolitan Opera will bring Donizetti’s comic opera “Don Pasquale” to the stage this June. The opera tells the story of an old bachelor Don Pasquale, who wants to marry in order to disinherit his rebellious nephew Ernesto. Tickets cost 10,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555.

Sweet Yawning

Sowol Art Hall

Through June 28

The Sookmyung Gayageum Orchestra presents a concert specially designed to facilitate prenatal education. The concert will feature modern versions of traditional music used for prenatal education in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). All tickets cost 15,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 701-4879. Located near exit 9 of Wangsimni Station on subway lines 2 and 5.

Chang Han-na’s ‘Absolute Classic’

Seongnam Arts Center *

Aug. 14-28

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

Joshua Bell & St. Martin in the Fields

Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*

June 22

American Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and English chamber orchestra The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will hold a concert together this June, marking the beginning of “2010 Ditto Festival.” Tickets cost from 40,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266.

Opera ‘Aida’

Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*

June 16-19

The 1st Korea Opera Festival presents “Aida” by the Sol’Opera next month. The show is directed by Paolo Bosisio and Antonio de Lucia and features a cast of top Italian and Korean singers including tenors Mario Malagnini and Lee Jeong-won. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266.

Rodin: Retrospective

Seoul Museum of Art

Through Aug. 22

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

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*

Through June 13

Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex is holding an exhibition where contemporary artists present works under the theme of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Tickets cost 2,000 won for students and 3,000 won for adults. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call 1577-7766.

Dialogue in the Dark

Vertigo

Open Run

The exhibition recreates the everyday life of the visually impaired as visitors have only a guiding voice and walking stick to carry out different activities in pitch darkness. Tickets cost 30,000 won for adults and 20,000 won for children. Call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Sinchon Station on subway line 2.

6th Busan Int’l Dance Festival

Special stages near Haeundae, Busan Cultural Center, Busan University, Grand Hotel.

June 4-8

Inaugurated in 2005, the Busan International Dance Festival (BIDF) is back with more variety and a higher standard of performances. The festival this year hosts 56 troupes from 10 countries including Russia, China, Estonia, Venezuela, the U.S. and India giving fresh diversity to the event. Call (0505) 555-2949. Located near Haeundae subway station near Paradise Hotel.

Baby: Battle B-boy

June 4 -open run

Hongdae B-boy Theater

The energetic break dance show will offer lots to watch with a great story. An unskilled B-boy, Han, is an outcast in his team, but one day, his life changes when he learns Korean traditional dance from a girl whom he met during practice. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 323-5233. Located near exit 5 of Hongik University station line number 2.

Hofesh Shechter Company from UK ‘Political Mother’

LG Arts Center*

June 12-13

British dance ensembles, led by Hofesh Shechter, will give their first full-length dance performance “Political Mother” in Korea. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

MODAFE 2010

Arko Arts Theater, Daehangno Arts Theater

Through June 8

The 2010 Modern Dance Festival (MODAFE) will bring dancers from around the world together under the slogan, “Gender-Distance.” This year, 28 teams from 11 countries will bring stunning energy to this event. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 30,000 won. Visit www.modafe.org or call (02) 765-5352. Both theaters located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Legend of Flower

Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Walkerhill Theatre

Open Run

Experience both traditional and modern music through Walkerhill Theatre’s dance production, “Legend of Flower.” 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. To get there, take the free shuttle bus at Gangbyeon Station, line 2, or Gwangnaru Station, line 5.

European Jazz Trio

Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*

June 11

Since 2003, the European Jazz Trio (EJT) has been visiting Korea for an annual live concert. This year it will celebrate the South Africa World Cup and perform “Oh, Pilseung Korea” in jazz style. The piano is played by Marc Van Roon, bass by Frans van der Hoeven, and drums by Roy Dackus. Tickets cost 22,000 won to 88,000 won. Call (02) 720-3933.

Vibe: Vibe in Praha

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park*

June 18,19

Famous Korean R&B duo Vibe is holding a promotional concert for it’s 4th Album “Vibe in Praha.” All four new songs on the album as well as the group’s hit songs will be performed. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 88,000 won. Call (02) 3485-8700.

Lee Seung-chul

Jamsil Olympic Stadium

June 5

Korean pop star Lee Seung-chul will hold his 25th anniversary concert. The concert will feature his best songs, including those appearing on soundtracks of famous dramas, reinterpreted into new classic and rock styles. Tickets cost from 25,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-4992. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.

Mika in Seoul

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park*
June 12


Pop sensation Mika will perform this June for the second time in Korea. Tickets range from 77,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3443-9669.

Rainman

Doosan Art Center

Through June 27

The play is based on the movie of the same name. Selfish Charlie Babbit’s father left a fortune to his autistic older brother Raymond and they go on a journey in which Charlie unexpectedly discovers a love for his family he never knew he had. Tickets cost 20,000 to 60,000 won. Call (02) 708-5001. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5 Ga station on subway line 1.

Brothers Were Brave

Coex Artium

Through June 20

The Korean musical “Brothers Were Brave” is on stage. The musical is about two brothers Suk-bong and Ju-bong trying to receive their deceased father’s inheritance. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 80,000 won. Call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 6 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.

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 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.

Miss Saigon

Grand Theater, Chungmu Art Hall

Through Sept. 12

One of the world’s most beloved musicals, Miss Saigon, is currently on stage in Korea. Set in 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War, this is a tragic tale of a woman abandoned by her American lover. Tickets range from 22,000 to 110,000 won for weekdays and 33,000 to 121,000 won for weekends. Call 1544-1555. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.

Billy Elliot

LG Arts Center*

Aug. 13- Open Run

One of the decade’s top-class sensational musicals, “Billy Elliot,” will be staged in Korea as the first non-English production in Asia. In England during the historic 1984-85 miners’ strike, Billy pursues his dream to become a ballerino in secret. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 130,000 won. Call (02) 3446-9630.

All Shook Up

Hanjeon Art Center

Through June 20

The Korean version of the Broadway jukebox musical “All Shook Up,” which was inspired by the hit songs of Elvis Presley, is on stage at Hanjeon Art Center. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 90,000 won. Call 1588-5212. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.

The Mission

Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

June 13- July 6

Based on the original screenplay by Robert Bolt and music by Andrea and Ennio Morricone, “The Mission” is set in South America and depicts the journey of Catholic Jesuit priests in converting the indigenous Guarani population in Paraguay. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 200,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 525-1621. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5