Classical Concerts, Big Tickets, Museum, Pop and Jazz, Dance

Classical Concerts

Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields

Seoul Arts Center*

May 27

Led by Jonathan Cohen, the Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields will perform in Seoul on May 27. Founded in 1959, the orchestra has been performing all over the world. The ensemble’s name comes from a church located near Trafalgar Square, London. Pianist Son Yeol-eum will collaborate in this concert. Tickets cost 40,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.

Maestro Lorin Maazel & Philharmonia Orchestra

April 7-8

The Philharmonia Orchestra and conductor Lorin Maazel will visit 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 April 7 to 8. Tickets cost 70,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-3183.

2012 Yukhi Kuramoto Grand Concert

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

March 25

A well-known pianist, composer, and arranger, Yukhi Kuramoto will perform at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. This year’s programs include “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

A Magic Flute

LG Arts Center*

March 15-17

Directed by Peter Brook, “A 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.

LMFAO Live in Seoul

Olympic Park*

April 7

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

Bobby McFerrin Live In Seoul

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. McFerrin won 10 Grammy Awards from 1985 to 1992. Tickets cost 88,000 to 132,000 won. For more information, please 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.

Lady Gaga: The Born This Way Ball

April 27

Lady Gaga is one of the most popular pop stars in the world. Her songs “Poker Dance,” “Papparazzi,” and “Born This Way” are especially popular among Korean fans. Tickets cost 44,000 to 125,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Museums

Arirang

The National Folk Museum of Korea

April 4 - May 21

The National Folk Museum of Korea presents “Arirang.” The exhibition showcases various regional versions of the song “Arirang.” Free Admission. Located near exit 5 of Gyeongbokgung Station or exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 3704-3114.

Discovering Dinosaurs Expo in Seoul

Yongsan War Memorial

Through March 4

“Discovering Dinosaurs Expo in Seoul” shows dinosaurs that 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.

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 more information, please call (02) 724-0114.

Pop & Jazz

2012 Shinhwa Grand Tour in Seoul ‘The Return’

March 24-25

SM Entertainment’s group “Shinhwa” will hold a comeback concert at the Olympic Park. Shinhwa has been popular for over 14 years. English booking is also available. Tickets cost 66,000 to 143,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Lenny Kravitz: Audi Live 2012

Jamsil Indoor Gymnasium

April 13

Invited by Audi Korea, Lenny Krabitz will hold his first concert in Korea. He is one of the iconic figures in rock with over 35 million in album sales worldwide. He has earned Grammy Awards in the rock section for 4 years. Lenny Kravitz’s songs “It Ain’t Over ’til It’s Over” and “Are You Gonna Go My Way” are popular in Korea. For this year’s concert, 8 band members will collaborate with Kravitz. Tickets cost 88,000 to 165,000 won. For more information, please call 1544-1555.

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 more information, please call (02) 599-5743.

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.

Dance

Universal Ballet’s ‘The Sleeping Beauty’

April 5-8

Presented by Universal Ballet, “The Sleeping Beauty” will be performed at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts 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

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.

Catch Me If You Can

Blue Square

March 28-June 10

Based on Steven Spielberg’s movie, the musical “Catch Me If You Can” will be on stage in Korea from March 28 to June 10. The musical “Catch Me If You Can” was introduced on Broadway in 2011 and has been nominated at the Tony Awards. Tickets cost 60,000 to 130,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hanganjin Station on subway line 6. For more information, call 1544-1591.

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 information, call 1577-3363.

Elisabeth

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. 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” is 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 more information, call (02) 766-6007.

Doctor Zhivago

Charlotte Theater

Through June 3

New musical “Doctor Zhivago” will be staged in Korea for the first time. Based on Boris Pasternak’s novel, the story revolves around Zhivago’s life and love during the 1917 Russian Revolution. The Korean production presents musical actor Hong Kwang-ho and Cho Seung-woo alternating in the role of Yuri Zhivago. Tickets cost 70,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212.