ROTTINI Debut Concert: Hero of Voice
Seoul Arts Center*
Oct. 7
Four of Korea’s top opera singers, Park Ji-min, Joseph Lim, Lim Chang-ham and Aldo Heo, have come together in a group called Rottini. Rottini has successfully reached out to the international audience, and took first place at the New York Opera Competition. Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit 222.sac.or.kr/eng.
Yo-Yo Ma
Nov. 13
Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma is a recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts and the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. His Seoul recital will be accompanied by pianist Kathryn Stott. Tickets cost 50,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr.
Yiruma Concert: Stay in Memory
Seongnam Arts Center
Oct. 6
“River Flows in You”and “Kiss the Rain” are two of Yiruma’s most recognized pieces that gained international popularity. It has been 10 years since the release of Yiruma’s first album, and the concert is for to celebrate this .Tickets cost 44,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (031) 783-8000.
Gidon Kremer and Kremerata Baltica
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 orchestra won a Grammy Award in 2002 for its recording of Mozart pieces. Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3. For more informaion, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr/eng.
Lang Lang Piano Concert
Nov. 28
Chinese pianist Lang Lang will perform with one of Korea’s best orchestras, the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets cost 90,000 to 160,000 won. For more, call (02) 580-1300. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3. Call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr/eng.
Radu Lupu Piano Recital
Nov. 17
Romanian virtuoso Radu Lupu is noted for performances of works by great 19th century composers. For the coming concert in Korea, Rapu Lupu is scheduled to play pieces by Schubert and Beethoven. Tickets cost 70,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541- 3183.
Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Orchestra
Sejong Center
Nov. 21
A leading German orchestra, the Deutsche Radio Philharmonie Orchestra is led by Carel Mark Chichon. In their first concert in Korea, it will be accompanied by world-renowned violinist Viviane Hagner. Tickets cost 40,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.
Ryuichi Sakamoto Trio Tour 2012
Dec. 9
Japanese pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto, based in Tokyo and New York, will tour Japan and Korea with violinist Judy Kang and cellist Jaques Morelenbaum. Sakamoto’s album “1996,” which is to be performed, includes songs many are aware of, such as, “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,” “Rain” and “The Last Emperor.” Tickets cost 50,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.
Norah Jones Live in Seoul
Jamsil Stadium
The famous singer who sang “Don’t know Why,” Norah Jones, is performing in Seoul during a season that matches her voice, fall. Her album “Diamond” sold more than 26 million copies, and she is also the winner of five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Tickets cost 132,000 to 165,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Owl City
Hongdae V-Hall
Nov. 10
Owl City gained major popularity with the release of his debut album, “Ocean Eyes,” which included the hit song “Fireflies” that topped the Billboard single charts. Owl City is an electronic musical project formed by Adam Young, who is also nicknamed “Peter Pan.” Tickets cost 88,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or (02) 332-3277.
Keane ‘Strangeland’
Olympic Handball Arena*
Sept. 24
Keane is a British rock band that achieved success with their debut album, “Hopes and Fears.” Keane is currently on tour with it fourth album, “Strangeland,” which peaked at number one on the U.K. albums chart. Tickets cost 99,000 to 125,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Maya 2012
National Museum of Korea
Through Oct. 28
Maya 2012 focuses on the life and death of the Mayans. The exhibition is organized in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mexico, and Korea and Guatemala. The exhibition examines the civilization of the Mayans in great depth. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.
2012 Korea Artist Prize
National Museum of Contemporary Art
Through Nov. 11
Without a definite theme, “2012 Korea Artist Prize” presents art works of four artists selected as SBS Foundation Sponsored Artists. Because the artists were asked to present any works they were able to manifest, the exhibition introduces works of four distinct themes. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on line 4. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.
Lives of the Great Joseon Artists
Posco Art Museum
Through Sept. 25
“Lives of the Great Joseon Artists” is currently exhibiting the most recognized masterpieces of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). The displayed works are well known and most local students would have learned about them in school. Admission is free. Located near exit 4, Samseong Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 3457-1665.
Kenny Rogers Live in Seoul
Olympic Hall
Oct. 26
The winner of AMAs, Grammys, ACMs, and CMAs, Kenny Rogers, an American singer and songwriter will be performing in Seoul. He has charted more than 120 singles in various music genres and his songs have remained on the U.S. pop album charts for more than 200 weeks. Hear some of the hit songs of the 1980s. Tickets cost 90,000 to 220,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3143-5156 or visit www.s2enter.com.
September: Urban Zakapa
Sept. 22
Starting with the debut song “Cafe Latte” in 2009, Urban Zakapa has earned fame purely based on their individual abilities, without any promotion. Urban Zakapa is a Korean indie-jazz group consisting of nine members ― four vocalists and five instrumentalists. They are popular for their distinct vocals and good chemistry on stage. Tickets cost 55,000 to 77,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Michael Bolton
Jamsil Indoor Stadium
Oct. 17
Michael Bolton is a legendary singer of romantic soul who rose to fame with songs like “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and “When a Man Loves a Woman,” which swept Billboard charts in the 1990s. He has won both American Music Awards and Grammy Awards. Tickets cost 66,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
VIBE 10th Anniversary Live Edition
Kyung Hee University
Oct. 6-7
Vibe released its first album in the year 2002, with the success and hit song called “Although It is Hateful, Once Again.” Now a decade later, the band celebrates its 10th year with a concert. Tickets cost 55,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Swan Lake
Nov. 12-13
Mariinsky Ballet, one of the world’s leading ballet companies, presents “Swan Lake.” Watch the beautiful love story, where Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette’s marriage promise is broken when an evil genius attempts to destroy their love. Tickets cost 50,000 to 270,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3991-700 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.
The Nutcracker
Universal Art Center
Dec. 21-31
With more than 620 performances and 67 million people comprising its audiences, the Universal Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” has been a world favorite for 27 years. This performance will be the perfect holiday gift for the entire family. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1740 or visit www.uac.co.kr.
Rambert Dance Company
LG Art Center
Sept. 20-21
The Rambert Dance Company, a leading British dance company will perform at the LG Art Center. Formed in 1926 they are known for contemporary and avant garde shows started by Marie Rambert. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.
Chicago, the Musical
D-Cube Arts Center
Through Oct. 7
Some of the most recognized singers, Insooni and Ivy, will take to stage as the leading characters in the musical based on actual criminals and crimes reported in 1926. For more information, call (02) 1544-1555. Located near Sindorim Station on subway lines No. 1 and 2. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Wicked
Blue Square
Broadway blockbuster “Wicked” debuted in 2003 and is based on “The Wizard of Oz.” It is a rendition of the novel by Gregory Maguire and details the relationship between the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North. 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
Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century masterpiece, “Don Quixote,” this memorable musical is based on Dale Wasserman’s book “Man of La Mancha.” Located near Jamsil Station on subway line No. 2. Tickets cost 60,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.