Concerts, Museums & Theater

Classical Concerts

Palace Family Concert

Deoksu Palace

May 5

The Palace Family Concert will be held to celebrate the beginning of Seoul Spring Festival, which will last through May 18. Admission is free but limited to the space available. For more information, visit www.seoulspring.org or call (02) 712-4879. Located near exit 2 of City Hall Station on subway line 1.

Seoul Spring Festival Opening Concert

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

May 7

The 4th Seoul Spring Festival opens with a concert titled ``Vienna, Before and After,’’ meaning how Beethoven forever changed the Austrian art scene. The Jupiter String Quartet from the U.S. will perform his ``String Quartet No. 6,’’ while rising composer Kim Solbong will premiere ``Sundial Chronicles’’ and star pianist Kim Sun-wook will perform Schubert’s ``Piano Trio No. 1.’’ Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 40,000 won. For more information visit www.seoulspring.org or call (02) 712-4879. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Rachel Podger & Gary Cooper Duo Recital

LG Arts Center

May 23

Violinist Rachel Podger and forte-pianist Gary Cooper debut in Korea with works of Mozart including ``Sonata for Keyboard and Violin in G, K. 379,’’ ``6 Variations in G,’’ ```Helas, J’ai Perdu mon Amant,’ K. 374b’’; and ``Sonata for Keyboard and Violin in B, K.454.’’ Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 90,000 won. For more information, visit www.vincero.co.kr or call (02) 599-5743. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

Beautiful Orchestra Concert

Seoul Arts Center

May 24

The Beautiful Orchestra, led by Yun Ki-yeon, will perform the works of composers who expressed love for their country through music. They will deliver Glinka’s ``Overture to Ruslan I Lyudmila,’’ Sibelius’ ``Ton-poem Finlandia, Op.26’’ and Dvorak’s ``Symphony No.9 in E Minor `From the New World,’ Op.95.’’ Pianist Han Sang-il will appear as a soloist. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.educoncert.co.kr or call (02) 3141-0651. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Kwak Jung’s Harp Recital

May 31

Under the title ``Thanks to,’’ harpist Kwak Jung will host a recital to celebrate the release of her new album. She will perform various works including Schumann’s ``Mignon’’; ``Kinderszenen, Op. 15’’ and Grandjany’s ``Aria in Classical Style, Op.19.’’ Tickets cost 22,000 won to 55,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 780-5054. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

Igudesman & Joo Duo's `Little Nightmare’ Concert

Guro Arts Valley

May 12

Violinist Aleksey Igudesman and pianist Richard Joo Hyung-ki, who created a stir online, will visit Korea to entertain fans with their humorous music. Tickets cost from 15,000 won to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.guroartsvalley.or.kr or call (02) 2029-1700~1. Located near exit 4 of Daerim Station on subway line 2.

Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra’s Beethoven Concert

Gyeonggi Arts Center

Conductor Kim Dae-jin will lead the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra for works of Beethoven such as ``Piano Concerto No.1 in C major, Op.15,’’ ``Piano Concerto No.2 in B Major, Op.19’’ and ``Piano Concerto No.5 in E Major, Op.73, `Emperor.’’’ Pianist Kim Sun-wook will appear as soloist. Tickets cost from 5,000 won to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.artsuwon.or.kr or call (031) 228-2813~5. Located near Suwon Station on subway line 1.

The Russian State TV & Radio Music Center Academic Grand Choir

May 17

Under the baton of conductor Lev Kontorobich, the Russian State Choir presents Russian pieces and more. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 129,000 won. For more information, visit www.musiczoo.co.kr or call (02) 927-2848~9. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Lee Sook-jung Cello Recital

Through May 13

Under the title ``My B,'' cellist Lee Sook-jung will hold a recital, offering the works of Breval, Brahms, Boccherini and Britten. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 780- 5054. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Classical Concert With Gustav Klimt's Works

Gustav Klimt's paintings will come to life with music every Wednesday beginning through May 13. Chamber group Hwaum Project will perform at Seoul Arts Center's ongoing Klimt exhibition under the title ``Combination of Fine Arts and Music.'' Composers Kim Sung-ki and Im Ji-sun will perform their originals works inspired by Klimt's paintings including ``Monologue for Viola solo'' and ``Secret of Golden Color: Klimt's Confession.'' Tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Vladimir Chernov Recital

May 3

Russian baritone Vladimir Chernov will visit Korea for the first time, delivering various songs including E. Morricone's ``Notturno senza luna,'' E. Curtis' ``Funiculi funicula'' and L. Denza's ``Funiculi funicula.'' Soprano Kim Eun-kyung and pianist Semjon Skigin will join as special guests. Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3463-2466. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Ian Young-wook Yoo Piano Recital

Child prodigy-turned-virtuoso pianist Ian Young-wook Yoo returns to Korea to hold a recital to celebrate the release of his new album, ``Beethoven 32.'' He will perform the works of Beethoven, Stravinsky, Brahms and Schumann. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, visit www.phoenixasia.co.kr or call (031) 712-1705. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

Paik Kun-woo & Three Pianists' Concert

May 10-11

Maestro Paik Kun-woo and three rising young pianists Kim Tae-hyung, Kim Jun-hee and Kim Sun-wook, will hold a special concert. Unlike other piano concerts, there will be four grand pianos on stage, offering the opportunity to hear pieces for eight hands. Featured pieces are Ravel's ``Bolero'' and Czerny's ``Four Concertants for Four Pianos, No. 1, Op. 230.'' Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 318-4301~2. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Julius Jeong-won Kim and Friends

Pianist Julius Jeong-won Kim holds his fourth concert with friends. Popular cellist Song Young-hoon, new age pianist Yiruma and others will appear. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2658-3546. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Big Tickets

Martha Argerich’s `Meeting Point in Beppu’

World-renowned Argentine pianist Martha Argerich will hold a music festival in Seoul. She will play including Debussy’s ``Danse Sacree et Danse Profane’’ and Shostakovich’s ``Piano Concerto No.1 for Piano, Trumpet and Strings in C minor, Op.35.’’ Her protege, popular pianist Lim Dong-hyek, rising conductor Sung Shi-yeon and trumpeter Sergei Nakariakov will appear as special guests. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 200,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Opera `Fidelio’

May 7-10

Muak Opera Group stages Beethoven’s dramatic opera ``Fidelio’’ in Korea for the first time in 17 years. Top vocalists including soprano Susan Anthony and Lee Ji-young and tenors Han Yun-suk and Steven Harrison, as well as an impressive number of over 100 choristers, will take the stage. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 720-3933. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal Station on subway line 3.

Jose Carreras Recital

Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center

One of ``the world's three great tenors,'' Jose Carreras will give a concert with the Korean Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Gimenez. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 220,000 won. For more information, visit www.artgy.or.kr or call 1577-7766. Connected to exit Aramnuri of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.

Natalie Cole Live in Korea

May 13

Grammy Award-winning jazz singer Natalie Cole visits Korea for local fans. With her romantic voice, she will deliver various songs from her new album, ``Still Unforgettable.'' Tickets cost from 60,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 747-9003. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Staatskapelle Dresden

May 9-10

One of the world-renowned orchestras, Staatskapelle Dresden, led by Fabio Luisi, will host a concert. Grammy-winning pianist Emanuel Ax will appear as a soloist. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 399-1114~6. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Opera ‘Tosca’

June 4-7

The Korea Opera Group will perform ``Tosca’’ under the direction of Pier Luigi Pizzi and Massimo Gasparon. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 310,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 587-1950~2. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Ennio Morricone’s `Cinema Concerto Part II’

Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park

May 26- 27

Legendary Italian composer-conductor Ennio Morricone will hold a concert titled ``Cinema Concerto Part II.'' Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 160,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.auction.co.kr or call (02) 3444-9969. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

Sumi Jo and Dmitri Hvorostovsky Duo Concert

May 28, 30

World-famous soprano Sumi Jo and bariton Dmitri Hvorostovsky will host a duet concert titled ``Majestic.'' They will perform with the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Ion Marin. Tickets cost from 70,000 won to 200,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3461-0976. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

Russian National Orchestra

June 30

Internationally renowned conductor Mikhail Pletnev and the Russian National Orchestra will visit Korea. From June 29 to July 1, they will perform in three cities including Seoul. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 180,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 541-6235. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Museum

Egypt, the Great Civilization

National Museum of Korea

Through Aug. 30

The National Museum of Korea presents 231 artifacts chosen from " Egypt-Oriental Collection" from Kunsthistorisches Museum of Austria, covering 300 years of Egyptian civilization. Mummies and objects related to pharaohs, images of deities, amulets, makeup tools, hieroglyphic papyri, diverse tools and receptacles, as well as burial goods, will be on display. Tickets cost from 10,000 won for adults and 8,000 won for children. For more information, call (02) 2077-9199. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.

Special Exhibition for Donated Cultural Assets

Through July 12

The National Museum of Korea presents 200 valuable cultural assets donated by various collectors from worldwide. Autographed music by composer Ahn Eak-tai will also be displayed. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.

Dance

2009 World Ballet Star Festival

June 4-5

International ballet stars from around the world will appear at the 2009 World Ballet Star Festival. This will be a rare chance to see the finest dancers, such as Polina Semionova of the Staatsballet Berlin, Friedemann Vogel of the Stuttgart Ballet, Yekaterina Osmolkina of the Kirov Ballet and Viengsay Valdes of the Cuban National Ballet. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 200,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 751-9630. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

Pop & Jazz

Envy Live in Seoul

V-Hall

May 10

Japanese rock group Envy will hold a concert in Korea for local fans. Korean band Loro’s will join as the supporting act. Tickets cost from 35,000 won to 40,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near Hongik University Station on subway line 2.

World DJ Festival in Seoul

Hangang Park in Nanji area

May 9

A number of DJs from around the world will appear at the 2009 World DJ Festival in Seoul. This year’s line-up includes Deep Groove, Towa Tei, Daishi Dance and Ricky Stone. All tickets costs 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Sangam World Cup Stadium Station on subway line 6.

The Yale Alley Cats Live in Seoul

Jang Cheon Art Hall

May 27

Famous a cappella group The Yale Alley Cats will visit Korea to sing a wide-ranging repertoire including pop and classical music. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 55,000 won. For more information, visit www.sinacreation.com or call 1566-2046. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.

European Jazz Trio Live in Seoul

June 20

European Jazz Trio will host a concert here after a nine-year absence, entertaining fans with their romantic sounds. Tickets cost from 22,000 won to 88,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 720-3933. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

JAM Project Hurricane Tour 2009 `Gate of the Future'

Melon-AX

May 16

Japanese group JAM Project will hold a concert in Korea to entertain fans with astonishing sounds. Tickets cost from 50,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, visit www.jamproject.kr or call (02) 324-3814. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5.

Lee Seung-chul’s `Mutopia'

Space of Peace, The War Memorial of Korea

May 22- 23

Singer Lee Seung-chul will hold a concert to celebrate the release of his 10th album. Tickets cost from 33,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-4992. Located near exit 12 of Samgakji Station on subway lines 4 and 6.

Lee So-ra’s `The Second Spring'

Mary Hall, Sogang University

Through May 17

After a two-year absence, singer Lee So-ra holds a concert titled ``The Second Spring.'' She will deliver her latest song among other hits. Tickets cost 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 6 of Sinchon Station on subway line 2.

Jang Sa-ik's `Flower Viewing'

Korean traditional singer Jang Sa-ik is holding an encore concert as part of his American tour in April. The singer will offer songs from his sixth album ``Flower Viewing.'' Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 396-0514 or visit www.interpark.com. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.

The Real Group Live in Seoul

May 6

The Real Group, a Swedish a cappella group, will visit Korea and entertain local fans with beautiful vocals. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 100,000won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 599-5743. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.

YB Concert

Through May 3

Rock band YB (Yun Do-hyeon Band) will hold a concert to celebrate the release of their new album. Tickets are 45,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3485-8700. Located near Hongik University Station on subway line 2.

Seoul Jazz Festival

May 14-17

The Seoul Jazz Festival returns in May, with a stellar lineup of foreign artists such as Latin jazz musician Omar Sosa; ``Once'' stars Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova; American singer Madeleine Peyroux; Dutch singer Wouter Hamel; and soul band Tower of Power. Located near exit 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. Tickets cost from 44,000 to 110,000 won. For ticket information in English, e-mail info@privatecurve.com or call (02) 563-0595. Visit www.seouljazz.co.kr or ticket.interpark.com.

Plays and Musicals

Grease

Dongsoong Art Center

Open Run

The musical tells the love story of high school students Danny and Sandy. Enjoy the rock and roll performance. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 60,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Thrill Me

The Stage

Through May 24

Based on actual events in the 1920s, the musical tells the story of a cruel killer. Through its clever plot, it depicts inescapable human desire and how corruptible people can be. Tickets are 45,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Sinchon Station on subway 2.

Dreamgirls

Charlotte Theater

Through July 26

The Broadway musical ``Dreamgirls'' makes its big debut in Korea. Better known as the movie of the same title, the musical tells the story of a young female singing trio, called ``The Dreams,'' who become music superstars. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 130,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.

My Scary Girl

Chungmu Art Hall

``My Scary Girl'', based on the Korean film of the same title, is now on stage at Chungmu Art Hall. It was selected by the Barrington Stage Company, the renowned American performing arts support group, to be presented to its theater lab. All tickets are 45,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway lines 2 and 6.

Musical Yi Sun-shin

``Musical Yi Sun-shin'' is based on the history of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910), specifically Yi Sun-shin who was Korea's heroic admiral. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 763-1268. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.

The Three Musketeers

May 12- June 21

European musical ``The Three Musketeers'' will be performed in Korea for the first time. The stage will be decorated realistically under the theme ``France in the 17th century.'' Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.