Around Town

Classical Concerts

Maksim Mrvica Concert

Seoul Arts Center*

July 6

Maksim Mrvica, a Croatian pianist nicknamed “The Piano Player,” is also a composer. Mrvica rose to fame immediately after the release of his first album and has since become a leading electric pianist of his generation. Some of his best known compositions are “The Bumblebee” and “Croatian Rhapsody.” Tickets cost 55,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6292- 9370.

Great Mountains Music Festival & School

Alpensia Concert Hall

Through Aug. 5

The Great Mountains Music Festival & School will be held in the mountainous province of Gangwon. Renowned cellist Chung Myung-hwa and her sister violinist Chung Kyung-hwa serve as artistic directors of this chamber music festival. This year, the annual festival will explore the relationship between dance and music. Tickets cost 40,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 725-3394.

Gidon Kremer & Kremerata Baltica

Oct. 16

Gidon Kremer, a Latvian violinist and conductor, will perform with Kremerata Baltica, a chamber orchestra he founded that consists of young musicians from Baltic countries. The orchestra won a Grammy Award in 2002 for its works recording Mozart.” They are returning to Korea after three years with a mixture of contemporary musical melodies and classical repertoire. Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

Big Tickets

Park Jung-hyun Live Concert

Olympic Park*

July 27-29

Park Jung-hyun, a Korean-American pop star often referred to as the Korean R&B queen, will hold a concert in celebration of her eighth album. She is considered one of the best singers in Korea. So far, she has released eight Korean albums, two Korean singles, three Japanese albums, and seven Japanese singles. Tickets cost 77,000 to 110,000 won. For more, call (02) 796-1383.

2012 Jisan Valley Rock Festival

Jisan Forest Resort

The best of the best rock bands, Radiohead, Owl City, The Stone Roses, Bread Eye and many more will perform at Jisan Forest Resort in Gyeonggi Province. This impressive lineup will play their most popular hits to the delight of fans. Tickets cost 225,000 won. For more information, call 1577- 3363, or visit www.valleyrockfestival.com.

UMF Korea

Olympic Stadium*

Aug. 3-4

The biggest party on earth, the world’s premiere electronic music festival, is coming to Asia for the first time. It will be held with musicians who are topping the charts like Steve Aoki, Clazziquai, Tokyo Big Boy, Tiesto, and many more. Tickets cost 110,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3471-8957 or visit www.umfkorea.com.

Eminem: Recovery Tour

Aug.19

Eminem, an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor will perform in Korea for the first time in support of his album “Recovery” released in 2010. Tickets cost 110,000 to 132,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488.

Sensation: Ocean of White

Ilsan KINTEX

July 21

A Heineken-sponsored concert, “Sensation,” began in Amsterdam in 2000, finally comes to Korea. The concert will fill eight hours with stage shows, laser beams and dance performances. DJs include Mr. White, Funkagenda and many more will light up the night until dawn. Standing room only. Tickets cost 125,000 to 180,000 won. For more information call 1544-1555 or visit www.heinekein.com/kr.

Marc Riboud

Through Aug.5

Marc Riboud is a French photographer, whose best known image is “Eiffel Tower Painter” taken in Paris in 1953. He is recognized for taking photographic reports of East Asia during some of the most fundamental times in history through the perspective of ordinary people. Tickets cost 12,000 won. For more information, call (02) 532-4407.

Museums

The Civilization of Turkey: Emperors in Istanbul

National Museum of Korea

Through Sept. 2

Turkey is a nation where traditions of the East and the West coexist, as religions and cultures from both sides have settled and flourished there. The exhibition will display relics from the 3000 B.C. Anatolian civilization to the 19th century Ottoman Empire. Tickets cost 12,000 won. Located near exit 2, Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.istanbul2012.co.kr.

Ha Chong-hyun Retrospective

National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea

Through Aug. 12

“Ha Chong-hyun Retrospective” will portray the life of the artist through his artworks. The exhibition will display many critical works that range from informal to monochrome painting series. It will allows the audience an opportunity to understand how Ha Chong-hyun was able to develop as an artist. Tickets cost 2,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station on line number 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6124.

Korean Art from the United States

The National Museum of Korea brings some major Korean artworks from museums in the United States such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco. The exhibition will feature artwork, including paintings from the Goryeo Kingdom that have never been seen by the Korean public. It will explore how Korean culture was introduced overseas. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.

MOVE: Art and Dance since 1960s

“MOVE: Art and Dance since 1960s” portrays the relationship between art and dance from the 1950s to the present. Through dancers and choreographers who create sculptures that relate to movements of visitors, this exhibition will allow visitors who began simply as spectators to become participants. Located near exit 4 of Seoul Grand Park Station on line number 4. For more information, call (02) 2188-6124.

Pop & Jazz

Wonder Girls: Wonder World

Jamsil Stadium

July 7

From “Tell Me,” “So Hot” to “Nobody,” the Wonder Girls’ songs are some of the best known K-pop hits in the world. The girl group that consists of 5 members, Wondergirls, is finally coming back to Korea to perform for local fans. Tickets cost 66,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

MBLAQ

July 21-22

MBLAQ, a five-member boy band produced by world super star Rain, will perform for fans in Seoul before they start their Asian tour. In October 2009, MBLAQ released their first debut single album, and has topped the music charts in Korea. Tickets cost 77,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

LeeSsang Season 2

July 14-15

Popular Korean hip-hop duo LeeSsang will collaborate with many recognized artists including rapper-singer Yoon Mi-rae, and singers Big Mama and Hwayobi. The duo has released a total of seven albums to date. Tickets cost 77,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Dance

Romeo and Juliet

July 7-14

Local ballet fans can soon watch Kenneth MacMillan’s most dramatic and thought-out ballet performance in “Romeo and Juliet.” Universal Ballet, a leading ballet troupe in Korea, will stage work based on the heartbreaking love story. The audience will be inspired by Shakespeare’s tragic romance delivered through dance. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

Swan Lake

July 26-29

Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater presents “Swan Lake.” Set to the passionate music of Russian master composer Tchaikovsky, the work has been one of the favorites for ballet fans. Watch the beautiful love story, where Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette’s marriage promise is broken when an evil genius attempts to destroy their love. Tickets cost 100,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2650-7481.

Pierre Rigal: Theater of Operations

LG Art Center

Sept. 14-15

Pierre Rigal, a French dancer and choreographer, is currently the most acknowledged dancer in Europe. After Rigal contributed to a workshop in Korea last year, he was deeply inspired by the local dancers. He will be collaborating with local dancers to bring the audience a different and distinct performance. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

2012 American Ballet Theatre: Giselle

July 18-22

“Giselle,” one of the most popular ballets, will be performed in Korea for the first time by the American Ballet Theatre. It tells the story of a peasant girl named Giselle. Julie Kent and Paloma Herrera will play Giselle. Kent and Herrera are two of the biggest stars of the New York-based company. Herrera joined the company at 16 and became a principal only three years later. Also taking the lead role of Giselle is Korean dancer Seo Hee, who is the company’s first Korean to rise to the soloist rank. Tickets cost 16,500 to 400,000 won. For more information, call (02) 598-3119 or visit www. sac.or.kr.

Plays & Musicals

Mozart!

Sejong Center

July 10-28

Originally written in German,“Mozart!” premiered in Austria in October 1999. The Korean rendition was first staged in 2010 and portrays the struggles and hardships of Mozart. Tickets cost 30,000 to 130,000 won. For more, call 1544-1555 or visit www. sejongpac.or.kr.

La Cage aux Folles

LG Arts Center

Through Sept. 4

The musical based on Harvey Fierstein’s award-winning novel revolves around a gay couple with complicated circumstances. Georges is a nightclub manager and his partner is Albin. The comedy unfolds when Georges’ son, Jean-Michel visits them. Tickets cost 60,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

Wicked

Blue Square

Open Run

Broadway blockbuster “Wicked” debuted in 2003 and is based on “The Wizard of Oz.” It is based on the novel by Gregory Maguire and details the relationship between the Wicked Witch of the West and the Good Witch of the North, and showing unexpected new sides to both characters. Tickets cost 50,000 to 160,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For more, call 1577-3363.

Man of La Mancha

Charlotte Lotte Theater

Through Oct. 7

Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century masterpiece, “Don Quixote,” this memorable musical is based on Dale Wasserman’s book “Man of La Mancha.” It is a well known Broadway musical that has won five Tony Awards, including Best Musical Award. The classic song “The Impossible Dream” is the main theme. Tickets cost 60,000 to 130,000 won. For more, call 1544-1555.

Poongwallju

Culture Space NU

Through July 29

“Poongwallju,” means master of the wind and the moon, and is a homegrown musical about two men and a woman during the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-935 A.D.). Instead of traditional costumes, actors wear simple, modern black clothes to portray a love triangle involving Yeol, a charismatic male “gisaeng,” or Korean courtesan, his dearest friend Sa-dam and Queen Jinseong, who has everything except the man she loves. Tickets cost 40,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Musical Hairspray

Chungmu Art Hall

Based on the 1988 film “Hairspray,” the plot of the musical revolves around a teenager who dreams of dancing on “The Corny Collins Show.” When she wins the opportunity to do so, she becomes a celebrity overnight. The songs are 1960 dance style music, rhythm, and blues. The successful musical won a total of 11 awards, including eight Tony Awards and Best New Musical. Tickets cost 20,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call (02)2230-6601.

Chicago, The Musical

D-Cube Arts Center

Musical Chicago is known for delivering the hottest stage in the world. Some of the most recognized singers, Insooni and Ivy, will take to the stage as the most important characters. Chicago, which is based on actual criminals and crimes reported in 1926, played more than 6,200 performances on Broadway. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1544-1555.

The National Chorus of Korea Debut Concert III

Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Center * (Refer to Venues listed on right for location/contact information)

June 11

The National Chorus of Korea is holding its third debut concert to select a new conductor for the chorus. Contestants include conductors Lee Sung-hoon and Kim Hong-soo, and the program is divided into three parts ― mixed, male-only and female-only groups. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 won. For more information call 1588-7890.

Friendly Flute Ensemble 2nd Concert

Sejong Chamber Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

June 6

Nine talented flute players and a double bass player will introduce a wide variety of music from baroque to contemporary. The program includes the overture from the opera “Nabucco” by Verdi, the finale from Haydn’s “Symphony No. 6 ‘Le Matin,’” Mendelssohn Scherzo, Op.61-1” and more. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-0945.

Sejong Soloists Society ‘The Red Priest Series’

Hoam Art Hall*

June 15

Sejong Soloists Society named its 2010project “The Red Priest Series” after Vivaldi’s nickname. Young internationals artists will play Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Strings in F major, RV 142,” “Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor, RV 531,” Mozart’s “Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K. 478” and Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70.” Programs are subjected to change. Tickets cost 30,000. For more information, 02)751-9607.

Dmitri Berlinsky with Boris Slutsky

Youngsan Art Hall

June 24

A professor in the music department of Michigan State University, violinist Dmitri Berlinsky will hold a concert with pianist Boris Slutsky and Lee Jung-wha, his student who teaches at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. The program includes Beethoven’s “Sonata No. 5 ‘Spring,’” Prokofiev’s “Sonata No. 2 in D major, Op. 94a,” Ravel’s “Tzigane” and more. Tickets cost 50,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-0945. Located near exit 1 of Yeoinaru Station line 5.

2010 To Know, To Love

June 18

Dukyoung Organization is holding a concert in the hopes of embracing Korea’s multicultural communityThe Dukyoung Trio, consisting of only percussion players, will perform Dvorak’s “Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90 ‘Dumdy’”; Ensemble Rhythmico will offer “Holy Mozart” and “Mozart at the Opera”; and the Rainbow Korea Chorus will sing Korean traditional songs. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call 02)586-0945. Located near exit 1 of Yeoinaru Station line 5.

Schumann’s 200th Anniversary Series 1

Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center*

June 26

A vocal performance will be held in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Robert Schuman, featuring songs inspired by the love story between the composer and his wife, the pianist Clara. Soprano Jang Hyung-joo, a professor at Yonsei University, and Kim Sae-il, the winning tenor from the 8th International Lied Competition of the Japan Schubert Society, will sing duets including “Liebhabers Staendchen, Op. 34-2” and “Tanzlied, Op. 78-1.” Tickets cost 20,000 won to 30,000. For more information, call 1577-7766.

Beethoven Cycle 4

Gyeonggi Arts Center

June 4

The Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra will play Beethoven’s masterpieces including “Symphony No.4 in B major, Op.60” and “Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61,” which were composed during the happier periods of the composer’s life. Kim So-ok, a noted violinist in Europe, will appear as soloist. Tickets cost 5,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, visit artsuwon.or.kr or call (031) 228-2813~5. Located near Suwon Station on subway line 1.

Opera ‘Don Pasquale’

M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

June 23-27

The Seoul Metropolitan Opera will bring Donizetti’s comic opera “Don Pasquale” to the stage this June. The opera tells the story of an old bachelor Don Pasquale, who wants to marry in order to disinherit his rebellious nephew Ernesto. Tickets cost 10,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555.

Sweet Yawning

Sowol Art Hall

Through June 28

The Sookmyung Gayageum Orchestra presents a concert specially designed to facilitate prenatal education. The concert will feature modern versions of traditional music used for prenatal education in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). All tickets cost 15,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 701-4879. Located near exit 9 of Wangsimni Station on subway lines 2 and 5.

Chang Han-na’s ‘Absolute Classic’

Seongnam Arts Center *

Aug. 14-28

Cello virtuoso and debutant conductor Chang Han-na will hold the 2010 season of “Absolute Classic,” an international music festival for youths. This year, her teacher, world famous Maestro Lorin Maazel, will participate in the event. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2232-1148.

Joshua Bell & St. Martin in the Fields

Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*

June 22

American Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and English chamber orchestra The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will hold a concert together this June, marking the beginning of “2010 Ditto Festival.” Tickets cost from 40,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266.

Opera ‘Aida’

Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*

June 16-19

The 1st Korea Opera Festival presents “Aida” by the Sol’Opera next month. The show is directed by Paolo Bosisio and Antonio de Lucia and features a cast of top Italian and Korean singers including tenors Mario Malagnini and Lee Jeong-won. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266.

Rodin: Retrospective

Seoul Museum of Art

Through Aug. 22

More than 180 sculptures and watercolor sketches will be on show at Korea’s largest ever Auguste Rodin exhibition. Admission is 12,000 won, for more information visit www.rodinseoul.com. Located behind Deoksugung Palace near City Hall Station on subway lines 1 and 2.

Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty

Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*

Through June 13

Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex is holding an exhibition where contemporary artists present works under the theme of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Tickets cost 2,000 won for students and 3,000 won for adults. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call 1577-7766.

Dialogue in the Dark

Vertigo

The exhibition recreates the everyday life of the visually impaired as visitors have only a guiding voice and walking stick to carry out different activities in pitch darkness. Tickets cost 30,000 won for adults and 20,000 won for children. Call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Sinchon Station on subway line 2.

6th Busan Int’l Dance Festival

Special stages near Haeundae, Busan Cultural Center, Busan University, Grand Hotel.

June 4-8

Inaugurated in 2005, the Busan International Dance Festival (BIDF) is back with more variety and a higher standard of performances. The festival this year hosts 56 troupes from 10 countries including Russia, China, Estonia, Venezuela, the U.S. and India giving fresh diversity to the event. Call (0505) 555-2949. Located near Haeundae subway station near Paradise Hotel.

Baby: Battle B-boy

June 4 -open run

Hongdae B-boy Theater

The energetic break dance show will offer lots to watch with a great story. An unskilled B-boy, Han, is an outcast in his team, but one day, his life changes when he learns Korean traditional dance from a girl whom he met during practice. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 323-5233. Located near exit 5 of Hongik University station line number 2.

Hofesh Shechter Company from UK ‘Political Mother’

LG Arts Center*

June 12-13

British dance ensembles, led by Hofesh Shechter, will give their first full-length dance performance “Political Mother” in Korea. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.

MODAFE 2010

Arko Arts Theater, Daehangno Arts Theater

Through June 8

The 2010 Modern Dance Festival (MODAFE) will bring dancers from around the world together under the slogan, “Gender-Distance.” This year, 28 teams from 11 countries will bring stunning energy to this event. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 30,000 won. Visit www.modafe.org or call (02) 765-5352. Both theaters located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.

Legend of Flower

Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Walkerhill Theatre

Experience both traditional and modern music through Walkerhill Theatre’s dance production, “Legend of Flower.” The performance will feature four acts under the themes “Flower,” “Water and Fire,” “Wind” and “Golden Earth.” Tickets cost from 60,000 to 300,000 won, including dinner. Visit www.legendofflower.com. To get there, take the free shuttle bus at Gangbyeon Station, line 2, or Gwangnaru Station, line 5.

European Jazz Trio

Since 2003, the European Jazz Trio (EJT) has been visiting Korea for an annual live concert. This year it will celebrate the South Africa World Cup and perform “Oh, Pilseung Korea” in jazz style. The piano is played by Marc Van Roon, bass by Frans van der Hoeven, and drums by Roy Dackus. Tickets cost 22,000 won to 88,000 won. Call (02) 720-3933.

Vibe: Vibe in Praha

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park*

June 18,19

Famous Korean R&B duo Vibe is holding a promotional concert for it’s 4th Album “Vibe in Praha.” All four new songs on the album as well as the group’s hit songs will be performed. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 88,000 won. Call (02) 3485-8700.

Lee Seung-chul

Jamsil Olympic Stadium

June 5

Korean pop star Lee Seung-chul will hold his 25th anniversary concert. The concert will feature his best songs, including those appearing on soundtracks of famous dramas, reinterpreted into new classic and rock styles. Tickets cost from 25,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-4992. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.

Mika in Seoul

June 12

Pop sensation Mika will perform this June for the second time in Korea. Tickets range from 77,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3443-9669.

Rainman

Doosan Art Center

Through June 27

The play is based on the movie of the same name. Selfish Charlie Babbit’s father left a fortune to his autistic older brother Raymond and they go on a journey in which Charlie unexpectedly discovers a love for his family he never knew he had. Tickets cost 20,000 to 60,000 won. Call (02) 708-5001. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5 Ga station on subway line 1.

Brothers Were Brave

Coex Artium

Through June 20

The Korean musical “Brothers Were Brave” is on stage. The musical is about two brothers Suk-bong and Ju-bong trying to receive their deceased father’s inheritance. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 80,000 won. Call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 6 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.

The Phantom of the Opera

Charlotte Theater

Through Aug. 8

This Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is one of the world’s best-selling Broadway hits and has prompted huge growth in the Korean musical industry. The show has returned to Seoul after eight years. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 130,000 won. Call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.

Miss Saigon

Grand Theater, Chungmu Art Hall

Through Sept. 12

One of the world’s most beloved musicals, Miss Saigon, is currently on stage in Korea. Set in 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War, this is a tragic tale of a woman abandoned by her American lover. Tickets range from 22,000 to 110,000 won for weekdays and 33,000 to 121,000 won for weekends. Call 1544-1555. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.

Billy Elliot

Aug. 13- Open Run

One of the decade’s top-class sensational musicals, “Billy Elliot,” will be staged in Korea as the first non-English production in Asia. In England during the historic 1984-85 miners’ strike, Billy pursues his dream to become a ballerino in secret. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 130,000 won. Call (02) 3446-9630.

All Shook Up

Hanjeon Art Center

The Korean version of the Broadway jukebox musical “All Shook Up,” which was inspired by the hit songs of Elvis Presley, is on stage at Hanjeon Art Center. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 90,000 won. Call 1588-5212. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.

The Mission

Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts

June 13- July 6

Based on the original screenplay by Robert Bolt and music by Andrea and Ennio Morricone, “The Mission” is set in South America and depicts the journey of Catholic Jesuit priests in converting the indigenous Guarani population in Paraguay. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 200,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 525-1621. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5