Around Town
Classical Concerts
Russian National Orchestra in Korea
Seoul Arts Center
May 23
Russia's first and much commended independent orchestra, the Russian National Orchestra performs in Korea under the direction of piano genius Mikhail Pletnev and accompanied by Korea's own celebrated pianist, Paik Hae-sun. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 160,000 won. Visit www.mastmedia.co.kr or call (02) 541-6234. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Tenor Kim Jae-hyung's Solo Concert
Naru Arts Center
May 16
After a widespread and brilliant career in Europe, Kim Jae-hyung comes to Korea for a much anticipated first national solo concert. Tickets cost 22,000 won to 44,000 won. Visit www.naruarts.co.kr or call (02) 2049-4705. Located near exit 5 of Konkuk University Station on subway line 2.
Youth Symphony Concert
Seongnam Arts Center (Opera House)
May 27
An impressive alliance made up of four Korean youth symphony orchestras and the Brandenburg Youth Symphony, this concert takes part in the first national youth orchestra festival hosted by the Seongnam Arts Center. Tickets cost 10,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.snart.or.kr or call (031) 783-8000. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang subway line.
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra's Regular Concert
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
May 18
This program is composed of works by Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy, the orchestra will be led by Mikko Franck and accompanied by pianist Gary Graffman, violinist Elissa Koljonen, and violist Robert Diaz. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 60,000 won. Visit www.sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1111. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
2007 Seoul City Festival: Lee Ji-hyung and Jang Sae-yong's Stylish Spirit
Hoam Art Hall
May 25
The third concert to take place in the festival, singer-songwriter Lee Ji-hyung and New Age pianist and singer Jang Sae-yong deliver a program that ranges from classic to pop. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Visit www.clubbalcony.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exit 9 of Seoul City Hall Station on subway lines 1 and 2.
Seoul Youth Philharmonic Orchestra's Concert: "Ein Heldenleben"
Coming off of their big hit in March, the orchestra comes to stage yet again to perform ambitious pieces by Strauss with guest pianist Kim Ju-yeong and violinist Son Gang-ji. Tickets cost 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Visit www.sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1111. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Pepe Romero Classic Guitar Recital
May 17
Critically acclaimed Spanish classic guitarist, Pepe Romero, returns to Korea after a successful performance back in 2003. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 66,000 won. Visit www.naruarts.co.kr or call (02) 2049-4705. Located near exit 5 of Konkuk University Station on subway line 2.
Finghin Collins' Solo Piano Concert
Kumho Art Hall
May 11
This rising young Irish pianist will hold his first solo recital in Seoul. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Visit www.kumhoarthall.com or call (02) 6303-1919. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Park Yun's Stylish Percussion
Although a new face on the classic stage, Yun Park has already created a buzz among critics with her new genre of music which makes percussion instruments the center of modern classic music. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Visit www.clubbalcony.com or call (02) 751-9997~9. Located near exit 9 of Seoul City Hall Station on subway lines 1 and 2.
Yuhki Kuramoto's May Romance
May 20
Ever since his first performance in Korea at the Seoul Arts Center in 1999, Yuhki Kuramoto has been at the center of Korea's New Age boom. He is back with his third album, "Romance Collection," performing some of his best-known pieces. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 80,000 won. Visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 580-1234. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Ensemble Homage's Stylish Classics
May 22
As part of the Seoul City Festival, the Ensemble Homage will perform well-known music from composers Ennio Morricone and George Gershwin, and musicians such as Paul McCartney, John Lennon and many more. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Visit www.clubbalcony.com or call (02) 751-9997~9. Located near exit 9 of Seoul City Hall Station on subway lines 1 and 2.
Rinaldo
Seoul Arts Center (Opera Hall)
May 12-17
An opera of immense magnitude brought on by director Pier Luigi Pizzi, "Rinaldo" finally hits the stage in Korea. A classic tale of rescue, chivalry, and fantasy during the Crusades, the hero Rinaldo is sure not to disappoint. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 330,000 won. Visit www.kopera.co.kr/rinaldo or call (02) 580-1234. Located near exits 4 and 5 of the Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Pluck
Bandai Dream Theater
May 23-27
The unconventional string trio Pluck will present "The Specialists," a combination of classical music performance and slapstick comedy. Members set a violin on fire, make silly faces and even wear pantyhose, creating a full-blown farce on stage with their classical techniques. They will also appear at Seoul Open Theater Changdong in central Seoul from May 29 to June 10. Tickets cost 33,000 won for shows at Bandai. Visit www.go-arthall.co.kr, or call 1588-7890 or 1544-1555. Located near Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.
Big Tickets
Christina Aguilera's Tour in Seoul
Olympic Park (Gymnasium)
June 23-24
This Grammy Award-winning singer comes to Korea for the first time as part of her "Back To Basics" tour. Familiar songs are expected as well as a repertoire of hits from her new album. Tickets cost from 80,000 won to 160,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Lion King
Charlotte Theater
Through June 1
Returning after a week of recess, this Japanese version of the Disney musical will go on stage to enchant and captivate audiences with its well-known African music and rhythms. Tickets cost from 35,000 won to 90,000 won. Visit www.charlottetheater.com or call (02) 411-5083/5. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.
Sarah Chang and Orpheus Chamber Orchestra
Gyeonggi Arts Center
May 13
Sarah Chang comes with this conductor-free orchestra to play beloved classics. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 120,000 won. Visit www.ggac.or.kr or call (031) 230-3200. Located near Suwon Station on subway line 1.
Museums
Red Phoenix
National Museum of Korea
Through July 1
Taking place in the Goguryeo section of the Archaeological Gallery, the museum will showcase the Red Phoenix (the Guardian Deity of the South) in paintings, sculptures, and other historical crafts. Call 2077-9643. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway lines 1 and 4.
Mirror: Another Me Reflected by Light
Amore Pacific Museum
Through Aug. 25
The Amore Pacific Museum is holding an exhibition titled "Mirror: Another Me Reflected by Light" throughout Aug. 25. The exhibition shows earlier patterns and materials of mirrors. The exhibition takes place at the Amore Pacific Museum in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province. Call (031) 285-7215.
Women Theater- Artifacts Allude to the Stores of Late Joseon's Women Coreana Cosmetics Museum
Through June 23
The Coreana Cosmetics Museum is offering a special exhibition, "Women Theater-Artifacts Allude to the Stores of Late Joseon's Women." The exhibition displays some 40 pieces of artifacts related to women. Call (02) 547-9177 or visit www.spacec.co.kr. Located near Apgujeong Station on subway line 3.
Dance
2007 Korea International Ballet Competition
Universal Arts Center
May 18-25
Renowned or beginning ballet dancers from all over the world will all congregate on stage in Seoul for the annual Seoul International Ballet Competition. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 50,000 won.
Visit www.uac.co.kr or call (02) 2204-1030/1033. Located near exit 4 of Acha Station on subway line 5.
Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theater's "Eternal Root of Relationship"
May 23-24
A dance performance that is centered on the theme of relationships, the choreography will showcase Korean modern dance with nature inspired props to ornate the stage. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1111. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
2007 Dong-A Dance Festival
Sejong Center
May 30
The annual dance festival commences yet again. Enjoy unforgettable performances of a variety of dance styles. Tickets cost from 15,000 won to 20,000 won. Visit www.sejongpac.or.kr or call (02) 399-1111. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Evening Prayer
LG Arts Center
May 25-27
Alain Platel, choreographer and creator of the Belgian contemporary dance company, "C. de la B." and the latter have created a dance performance unlike any other with unimaginable. Movements are choreographed to a mix of jazz, gypsy, and baroque music. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. Visit www.lgart.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.
Ballerina Who Loved a B-boy
SJ B-boys Theater
Open run
B-boys pit the latest urban moves against the most delicate of pirouettes in this local nonverbal stage performance. There are no performances on Mondays. Tickets cost 50,000 won. Visit sjbboys.com or call (02) 366-5377. Located near Hongik University's Main Gate.
Tango Fire
Chungmu Art Hall
Through May 13
The passionate "Tango Fire" from Argentina is performed by the original Argentinean cast. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 66,000 won. Visit www.clubbalcony.com or call (02) 2230-6624-6. Located near Sindang Station on subway line 6.
Julia's Brunch Ballet
Universal Art Center
Through Nov. 15
The Universal Ballet Company will perform different masterpieces for each season. Tickets cost from 15,000 won to 20,000 won. Visit www.universalballet.com. Located near Achasan Station on subway line 5.
Argentina's Nonverbal Performance - "Making Sound"
Hanam Arts Center
May 18-19
A concoction of non-instrumental performances, comedy, dance and theater, Argentina's "El Choque Urbano"(similar to England's "Stomp? comes to ignite the Latin rhythms in Korea. Visit www.hnart.co.kr or call (031) 790-7979. Located near exit 8 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.
Pop & Jazz
Solists' Acapella Concert
May 19
The first acapella group to form in Korea, the group Solists gained a notable reputation since their debut in 1993 for their ability to make classic music lighter and pop music elegant. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. Visit www.cmah.or.kr or call (02) 2230-6624~6626. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.
Seoul Jazz Festival 2007
May 3- June 3
An astounding four days of jazz music performed by top musicians (Dimension, J-Fusion All Stars, Joe Sample of The Crusaders, Randy Crawford, and the Pat Metheny Trio) celebrate the city as it falls into the charm of jazz. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 130,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Marisa Monte's Korea Concert
June 1
Brazilian muse Maria Monte comes to Korea as part of her 2007 World Tour to introduce her latest album, a blend of the rhythmic Brazilian traditional with the modern pop. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 70,000 won. Visit www.lgart.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.
Cinema in Jazz
Hyundai Department Store (Mok-dong)
Unforgettable songs and music that stayed in everyone's hearts through films will come back to life with a coating of jazz on them. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr. Located near exit 1 of Omokkyo Station on subway line 5.
Amerie Love Korea Live Concert
MelOn-AX
May 24-25
Korean-American pop star Amerie comes to Korea to rock the stage with Yoon Mi-rae (Tasha) as her guest star. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, which supports multiracial children. Tickets cost from 77,000 won to 165,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 585-6270. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5.
Dragon Ash Tour: Music in Korea
June 9
The Japanese hip hop/rock band comes to Korea with their constantly astounding musical mix of reggae, rap, rock, punk, Spanish, and R&B. Tickets cost 66,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 540- 2740. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5.
Park Hyo-shin's 2007 Concert Tour
Olympic Hall (inside Olympic Park)
May 19-20
Singer Park Hyo-shin is going on a national tour to present his long-awaited 5th album, "The Breeze of Sea." Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 77,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Plays & Musicals
Spitfire Grill
May 12-Aug. 5
The musical that portrays the story of small town girl, Percy Talbott, after she is released from prison and starts life all over again at the Spitfire Grill, where she has doubts and fears, but ultimately inspires change, faith and hope. Tickets cost from 35,000 won to 45,000 won. Visit www.cmah.or.kr or call (02) 2230-6624~6626. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.
West Side Story
May 26-July 1
One of the biggest Broadway hits ever, the unforgettable story of Tony and Maria comes to the Korean musical stage. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 85,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 3141-1345. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.
Thrill Me
Chungmu Art Halll
Based on a real crime that happened in Chicago, this critically acclaimed musical comes hot off of Broadway. No performance on Mondays. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 40,000 won. Visit www.thrillme.co.kr or call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.
Great Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace)
May 26 -June 17
The heartbreaking and courageous story of the genius palatial maid that took Asia by storm is now coming to stage as a musical. No performance on Mondays. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 150,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.
Guys & Dolls
Messa B-Boy Theater
Through May 31
Breakdancers retell the musical "Guys & Dolls." Tickets cost from 25,000 won to 50,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 1588-7890. Located near Hoehyeon Station on subway line 4.
Wuthering Heights
Daehangno Arts Center (Hall 3)
Through May 27
Emily Bronte's masterpiece of the feud between the Earnshaws and the Lintons and the two loves caught in between is brought to life in Korea at the heart of the Seoul's most creative area. Tickets cost 15,000 won (elementary, junior high and high school students), 20,000 won (college student), and 30,000 won. Visit artmadang.co.kr or call (02) 747-2114. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Nunsense Nuncracker
Angel Theater
A group of nonsensical nuns star in this comedy musical that delivers laughs and inspiration. There are no performances on Mondays and Tuesdays. Tickets cost 44,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call (02) 2651-3915. Located near Omokkyo Station on subway line 5.
Hedwig and Angry Inch
Theater S.H
The well-known musical features famous actor Cho Seung-woo. Tickets cost from 25,000 won to 45,000 won. Visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-7890. Located near Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Kingdom of the Winds
Towol Theater at Seoul Arts Center
Through May 25
Based on the popular comic book of the same title by Kim Jin, the musical tells of the history of the Goguryeo Kingdom with a variety of background music including rock, house, hip-hop, techno and classical music. The musical revolves around Jumong, the founder of the kingdom, and the third king Daemusinwang. Tickets cost from 20,00 won to 60,000 won. Visit www.sac.or.kr or call (02) 523-0984. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.