Classical concerts

Classical Concerts

Prades Casals Festival in Korea

Seoul Arts Center*

March 1

The renowned Pablo Casals Festival marks its 60th anniversary this year. Participants to this music festival will perform at Seoul Arts Center on March 1. Michel Lethiec, the most famous musician in the Pablo Casals Festival in Prades will be in Korea this year. Cellist Arto Noras, violist Gerard Poulet and Hartmut Rohde, Korean musicians, including violinists Baek Ju-young, Kim So-ock, cellist Song Young and pianist Park Jong-hwa, will also join the concert. Tickets cost 11,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call 1544-5142.

London Symphony Orchestra

Feb. 27-28

Britain’s top orchestra will visit Korea for the first time in six years with its music director Valery Gergiev from Russia. The London Symphony is one of the world’s top orchestras with an in-house recording label. Under the LSOLive, the orchestra has produced many award-winning recordings. The concert will feature Korean-American violinist Sarah Chang and Russian pianist Denis Matsuev as soloists. Tickets cost 70,000 to 350,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.

Maestro Lorin Maazel & Philharmonia Orchestra

April 7-8

The Philharmonia Orchestra and conductor Lorin Maazel will revisit Korea for the second time. Based in London, the Philharmonia Orchestra has collaborated with numerous artists for over 60 years. Maestro Maazel will perform Gustav Mahler’s symphonies No. 1 and 5. The concert will be held at Seoul Arts Center from Apr. 7 to 8. Tickets cost 70,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-3183.

2012 Yuki Kuramoto Grand Concert

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

March 25

A well-known pianist, composer, and arranger, Yuki Kuramoto will perform at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s program includes “Meditation,” “Lake Louise,” “Swan Song,” “Lovingly” and more. Yuki Kuramoto was born in 1951, Japan. He will hold the concert with a symphony orchestra. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266.

Big Tickets

The Magic Flute

LG Arts Center*

March 15-17

Directed by Peter Brook, “The Magic Flute” will be performed at LG Arts Center. Peter Brook reinterpreted his own version of opera “The Magic Flute.” He added new music pieces such as “Die Alte K 517” to the original score. Singers from Slovakia, Spain, Australia, and France will entertain the Korean audience. The lyrics are in German, dialogue in French, and Korean subtitles are offered. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

Bobby McFerrin Live In Seoul

Olympic Park*

March 8

Virtuoso American vocalist and conductor, Bobby McFerrin is best known for his song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” Created in 1988, this song became a worldwide hit. McFerrin’s unique voice technique and music style ranges from pop music to classics. He has collaborated with many instrumental performers such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma. McFerrin won 10 Grammy Awards from 1985 to 1992. Tickets cost 88,000 to 132,000 won. For more information, call (02) 563-0595.

Il Divo Concert

Jamsil Stadium

March 3

The world-famous popera group that sold over 2.5 million albums will tour Korea. The four members, Davild Miller, Sebastien Izambard, Carlos Marin, and Urs Buhler, are from the United States, France, Spain and Switzerland, respectively. Tickets cost 99,000 to 220,000 won. Located near exit 6 or 7 of Jamsil Integrated Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 407-2589.

Jammo Jammo Concert

Yoondang Art Hall

Feb. 26

Comedian Jeon Yoo-sung directs this concert in which the audience are encouraged to clap and laugh throughout the show. Concertgoers will also be able to participate in a waltz. The program includes the gospel classic “Oh Happy Day” and a medley of animationfilm scores. Tickets cost 25,000 to 30,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, please call (02) 797-7608.

Museums

Discovering Dinosaurs Expo in Seoul

Yongsan War Memorial

Through March 4

“Discovering Dinosaurs Expo in Seoul” shows dinosaurs who used to live on the Korean Peninsula during the Cretaceous period. Visitors can trace the lives of dinosaurs through fossils and their bones. This exhibition also offers opportunities to watch life-sized models of dinosaurs and participate in an imaginary excavation. Tickets cost from 12,000 to 14,000 won. Located near exits 1, 11, or 12 of Samgakji Station on subway line 4. For more information, call 1688-5779.

‘Have an Auspicious Dream in the Year of the Dragon’

National Folk Museum of Korea

Through Feb. 27

A special exhibition celebrates the “Year of the Dragon” in the Oriental zodiac. The National Folk Museum of Korea presents relics related to the mythical creature, which was believed to have special abilities and power and has also been a symbol of kings in Korea. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For information, call (02) 3704-3114.

Tutankhamen: His Tomb and His Treasures

Gwacheon National Science Museum

Through Feb. 26

A great chance to see ancient remains from Egypt has arrived. Excavated by English archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter, King Tut’s mummy will be on display in Korea. Over 1,300 relics have been restored. Visitors can see Tutankhamen’s tomb and many treasures. Tickets cost 12,000 won. Closed on Mondays. Located near exit 5 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. For information, call (02) 3677-1435.

Myeong-dong Narratives

Seoul Museum of History

Through March 31

Lee Bong-gu was a newspaper reporter from the 1950s to 60s who wrote a book of experience and remembrance with artists and musicians at that time. This exhibition highlights Meyong-dong’s past and present based on Lee Bong-gu’s experience. Myeong-dong has been a Mecca of Korea’s modern cultural venues. In the past, there were numerous exhibitions and performances going on there. This location was also the scene of a democratic movement. Now, Myeong-dong has turned into a fare of fashion and sightseeing for foreigners. Admission is free. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. For information, call (02) 724-0114.

Pop & Jazz

Lisa Ono Tour in Korea

March 4

Lisa Ono was born in Brazil and then moved to Japan. Her music has been widely used in advertisement background music. Lisa Ono pursues one of jazz genre called, “Bossa Nova.” A word from Portuguese, “Bossa Nova” means new wave and it was affected by Brazil’s Samba. Concert music program includes “Moon River,” “Masque Nada,” “My Cherie Amour,” and “Jambalaya.” Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For information, call (02) 599-5743.

LMFAO Live in Seoul

April 7

LMFAO is widely known for shuffle dance all around the world. Particularly, LMFAO’s music “Party Rock Anthem” became sensational dance music. The group will visit Korea for the first time this year at Olympic Park on Apr. 7. It was nominated at 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in best dance and electronic album. The band also developed new music genre called “Party Rock.” Tickets cost 88,000 to 121,000 won. For information, call 1544-1555.

Band Music Festa: Blooming Spring Days

Gangdong Arts Center

March 3-18

“Band Music Festa: Blooming Spring Days” comes with a total of 12 Korean bands and musicians from March 3 to 18 at Gangdong Arts Center. Featured bands are The KOXX, Monni, WindyCity, Daybreak, The Moonshiners, Soran and The Finn. Only 250 seats are available for each performance. Tickets cost 20,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Godeok Station on subway line 5. Call (02) 440-0500.

Laura Fygi Live In Seoul

Feb. 29

Popular U.S. jazz vocalist Laura Fygi is a renowned musician in Europe and Asia. Fygi’s popular songs “I Love You for Sentimental Reasons,” “Let There Be Love,” and “Dream a Little Dream” have been used as OST and CF background music. A jazz and classic instrumental group “Jazzpark Bigband” will collaborate with Fygi at Gangdong Arts Center on Feb. 29. Tickets cost 20,000 to 60,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Godeok Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 440-0500.

Halie Loren Jazz Quartet Concert

Womenhall Yongin City

Feb. 25

American jazz singer Halie Loren is a popular recording artist in the United States, Japan, and Europe. Halie Loren’s concert will be held at Womenhall in Yongin City on Feb. 25. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Jukjeon Station on the Bundang line. For information, call (031) 324-8994~5.

Anthony Rapp ‘Without You’

KT&G Sang Sang Art Hall

The musical “Without You” involves the story of musical actor Anthony Rapp who starred in “Rent” as well as the back stage story of it. On the day before the first performance of “Rent,” director Jonathan Larson died of a heart attack. Although the musical “Rent” becomes a hit, Anthony Rapp suffers from gender identity issues and his mother’s death. Tickets cost 44,000 to 66,000 won. No performance on Mondays. Located near exit 2 of Samsung Station on subway line 2. For information, call 1544-1681.

Caffeine

Culture Space NU

Through April 8

Produced by CJ E&M, the musical “Caffeine” is on stage again after the first two productions in 2010. The musical portrays Ji-min and Se-jin’s romance resulting from a practical joke between workers at Ji-min’s cafe. This musical is directed by Seong Jae-joon and four actors will alternate in the roles of Ji-min and Se-jin. Tickets cost 40,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Haehwa Station on subway line 4. For more information, call 1577-3363.

Elisabeth

Blue Square

Through May 13

Viennese musical “Elisabeth” will be presented at the Blue Square. With music by Sylvester Levay and plot and lyrics by Michael Kunze, the story revolves around famous Austrian Empress Elisabeth Sissi. The empress will be played by musical actress Kim Sun-yong and singer-turned-actress Ock Joo-hyun. Tickets cost 30,000 to 150,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For information, call (02) 6391-6333.

Return to Hamlet

Dongsoong Art Center

Directed by Korea’s popular movie director Jang Jin, the play “Return to Hamlet” being staged at Dongsoong Art Center through Apr. 8. The play is not Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Director Jang created a comical story of actors who are about to play “Hamlet.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Haehwa Station on subway line 4. For information, call (02) 766-6007.

Dance

Universal Ballet’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’

April 5-8

Presented by Universal Ballet, “The Sleeping Beauty” will be performed at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts of from April 5 to 8. Princess Aurora falls asleep due to a curse. Prince Desire kisses Aurora and finally gets married. “The Sleeping Beauty” is based on Charles Perrault’s “La Belle au bois dormant” and music by Pyotr Tchaikovsky. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or 1544-1887.

Jeong Yeon-hee’s ’Our Dance’

Theater Sungkyun

Through March 28

Dancer-choreographer Jeong Yeon-hee will introduce various traditional Korean dances at Theater Sunkyun until Mar. 28. Tickets cost 6,800 to 20,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Haehwa Station on subway line 4. For more infomation, call (02) 747-5035.

Giselle

March 1-4

Korea National Ballet (KNB) presents “Giselle” to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2012 at Seoul Arts Center. Choreographed by Patrice Bart, “Giselle” will show French-style ballet. The story begins in a village where Giselle falls in love with Albrecht, a prince of Silesia. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 587-6181.