Concerts, museums and theater
Classicial Concerts
Il Gardellino
LG Arts Center* (See ‘Venues’ on the right for more information)
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.
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.
Jazz Virus
KBS Hall
Sept. 18
The Millennium Symphony Orchestra led by conductor Seo Hee-tae, best known as the artistic director of the hit TV drama "The Beethoven Virus," is set to hit the stage with jazz vocalist Yoon Hee-jung (Please check the name), jazz musician Kwak Yoon-chan and saxophone player Lee Jung-sik. The concert will feature a wide range of popular jazz songs, such as "I am a Fool to Want You," "Non, Je Ne Regrette Rien" and "Over the Rainbow." Tickets cost 40,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Yeouido Station on subway line 5. For more information, call 02-6292-9370.
Russell Sherman Piano Recital
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
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’s rarely appeared on stage as a pianist performing with family members. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.
Seven Stars
Sept. 9
The concert “Seven Stars” will give the audience an opportunity to explore the world of classical music by renowned Korean musicians. Under the baton of maestro Chung Myung-whun, cellist Yang Sung-won and four young soloists ― pianist Son Yeol-eum, violinist and violist Lee Yu-ra, violinist Shin Ara, cellist Young Song (Song Young-hoon) ― will present the harmony of live chamber music. Guitarist-composer Lee Byung-woo will also participate in this ensemble performance. “Guitar Trios No. 1 in A Major Op. 18-1, 4” by de Fossa and “Piano Trio No. 1 in B flat Major, D. 898” by Schubert will be played. Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 518-7343.
Kwun Hyuk-joo & Son Yeol-Eum Tour
Two rising classical musicians, violinist Kwun Hyuk-joo and pianist Son Yeol-Eum, will embark on a cross-country tour beginning Sept. 18. The duo will perform “Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 ‘Poeme’ Op. 20” by Catoire and “Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 9 ‘Kreutzer.’” Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Big Tickets
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.
Yuhki Kuramoto Autumn Story ‘In a Beautiful Season’
Sept. 17-18
Japanese new age pianist Yuhki Kuramoto will give a concert on Sept. 17 and 18. They are expected to appeal to audiences who enjoy the romantic mood of autumn by listening to melodious music. The program features tracks from his new album released last April, including “Shape of Love,” “Second Romance,” “Promenade” and others. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 741-1763.
2011 Rain The Best Show
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.
The Real Group
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
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.
X-Japan live in Seoul
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.
Museums
Ethnic Earthenware from Asian’s Heart
Donations Gallery, National Museum of Korea
Through Sept. 11
For this exhibition, the museum selected ceramic and earthenware pieces that were donated by Kaneko Kazushige who collected 1,020 ethnic works throughout Asia. The exhibition aims at introducing the ways ancient Asians utilized earthenware and ceramics with a wide range of traditional tools, mixing cultural and ethnic backgrounds. The exhibition consists of three parts, “Asia’s Earthenware,” “Production of Earthenware” and “Religion and Folk Belief,” according to the museum’s release. Admission is free. The museum is located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9553.
The Return of the Oegyujanggak Uigwe from France
National Museum of Korea
Through Sept. 18
The National Museum of Korea will host a special exhibition celebrating the return of ancient royal books that were plundered by the French army in 1866. The event is aimed at bringing the public’s attention to the historical value of the books from the Oegyujanggak Archive from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9686.
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.
Dance
Akram Khan Company ‘Vertical Road’
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
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.
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!,” which premiered in Korea in 2004, has held more than 800 local performances and attracted more than a million to its shows. 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.
Prince Puzzle
Through Sept. 21
Gyeonghui Palace (Gyeonghuigung)
"Prince Puzzle," which won the 5th Musical Awards for the Best Small Theater Musical, is now on stage at the Gyeonghui Palace through Sept. 21. The story of the musical is basically developed within a mysterious atmosphere, focusing on the disappearance case of a prince in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). In particular, audiences are expected to have a rare opportunity to enjoy a performance at the traditional palace with an autumn flavor. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Seodaemun Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 501-7888.