Classical concerts

Classical Concerts

ROTTINI Debut Concert: Hero of Voice

Seoul Arts Center*

Oct. 7

Four of Korea’s top opera singers, Park Ji-min, Joseph Lim, Lim Chang-ham and Aldo Heo, have come together in a group called Rottini. They have successfully reached out to international audiences and took first place at the New York Opera Competition. Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit 222.sac.or.kr/eng.

Rogers and Hammerstein Cinema Orchestra Series II

Sejong Center

Oct. 11-12

“The Sound of Music,” “The King and I” and “Oklahoma!” are musicals featuring the work of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein. The world renowned cinema music will be performed by Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by George Daugherty. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3991-700 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.

Gidon Kremer and 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 recording of Mozart. Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line No. 3. For more informaion, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr/eng.

Yiruma Concert: Stay in Memory

Seongnam Arts Center

Oct. 6

“River Flows in You” and “Kiss the Rain” are two of Yiruma’s most recognized pieces that gained international popularity. It has been 10 years since the release of Yiruma’s first album, and the concert is to celebrate this. Tickets cost 44,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (031) 783-8000.

Yo-Yo Ma

Nov. 13

Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma is a recipient of multiple Grammy Awards, the National Medal of Arts and the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. His Seoul recital will be accompanied by pianist Kathryn Stott. Tickets cost 50,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr.

Lang Lang Piano Concert

Nov. 28

Chinese pianist Lang Lang will perform with one of Korea’s best orchestras, the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets cost 90,000 to 160,000 won. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr/eng.

Radu Lupu Piano Recital

Nov. 17

Romanian virtuoso Radu Lupu is noted for performances of works by great 19th century composers. For the upcoming concert in Korea, Lupu is scheduled to play pieces by Schubert and Beethoven. Tickets cost 70,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541- 3183.

Deutsche Radio Philharmonic Orchestra

Nov. 21

The German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra, led by Carel Mark Chichon, will hold their first concert in Korea, accompanied by world-renowned violinist Viviane Hagner. Tickets cost 40,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114 or visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.

Ryuichi Sakamoto Trio Tour 2012

Dec. 9

Japanese pianist Ryuichi Sakamoto, based in Tokyo and New York, will tour Japan and Korea with violinist Judy Kang and cellist Jaques Morelenbaum. Sakamoto’s album “1996,” which is to be performed, includes songs many are aware of, such as, “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,” “Rain” and “The Last Emperor.” Tickets cost 50,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.

Big Tickets

Elton John: 40th Anniversary of the Rocket Man Tour

Olympic Gymnastics Hall, Olympic Park

Nov. 27

Elton John, producer of more than 30 albums to date, has sold more than 2.5 million records. He has been named as one of the most successful artists of all time. His “Candle in the Wind 1997” is the best-selling single in the history of the United Kingdom. The winner of multiple Grammys will perform in Korea in celebration of the 40th anniversary of “Rocket Man.” Tickets cost 77,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 410-1601.

Norah Jones Live in Seoul

Jamsil Stadium

Norah Jones, who famously sang “Don’t know Why,” is performing in Seoul. Her debut album “Come Along With Me” sold more than 26 million copies, and she is the winner of five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year. Tickets cost 132,000 to 165,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Owl City

Hongdae V-Hall

Nov. 10

Owl City gained major popularity with the release of his debut album, “Ocean Eyes,” which included the hit song “Fireflies” that topped the Billboard single charts. Owl City is an electronic musical project formed by Adam Young, who is also nicknamed “Peter Pan.” Tickets cost 88,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or (02) 332-3277.

Museums

Maya 2012

National Museum of Korea

Through Oct. 28

Maya 2012 focuses on the life and death of the Mayans. The exhibition is to mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and Mexico, and Korea and Guatemala. It examines the civilization of the Mayans in great depth. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.

2012 Korea Artist Prize

National Museum of Contemporary Art

Through Nov. 11

Without a definite theme, “2012 Korea Artist Prize” presents works by the four selected SBS Foundation Sponsored Artists. Because the artists were asked to present any pieces they were able to manifest, the exhibition introduces works of four distinct themes. Located near exit 2 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line No. 4. Tickets cost 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

Pop & Jazz

Michael Bolton

Jamsil Indoor Stadium

Oct. 17

Romantic soul singer Michael Bolton rose to fame with songs like “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You” and “When a Man Loves a Woman,” which swept the Billboard charts in the 1990s. He has won both American Music Awards and Grammys. Tickets cost 66,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

The Way of Love

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park

Nov. 24-25

Having travaled to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, popular K-pop group 2AM will mark their last performance of the tour in Seoul. The most recognized song by 2AM is “Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die.” Tickets cost 66,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 410-1601 or visit www.olympicpark.co.kr.

VIBE 10th Anniversary Live Edition

Kyung Hee University

Oct. 6-7

Vibe released their first album in 2002, finding success with hit song “Although It is Hateful, Once Again.” Now a decade later, the band celebrates its 10th anniversary with a concert. Tickets cost 55,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Dance

Swan Lake

Nov. 11-13

Mariinsky Ballet, one of the world’s leading ballet companies, will perform “Swan Lake” in Seoul. Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette’s marriage promise is broken when an evil genius attempts to destroy their love. Tickets cost 50,000 to 270,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3991-700 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

The Nutcracker

Universal Art Center

Dec. 21-31

With more than 620 performances and 67 million people having watched it, the Universal Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” has been a world favorite for 27 years. This performance will be the perfect holiday gift for the entire family. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1740 or visit www.uac.co.kr.

Plays & Musicals

Les Miserables

Yongin Poeun Art Hall

Nov. 3-25

The astonishingly powerful musical “Les Miserables,” based on the novel by Victor Hugo, was first launched in London 25 years ago. It is the second-longest running musical in history. The story is set in 19th century France, a time when the struggle for redemption and revolution was rampant. Tickets cost 50,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (031) 260-3355 or visit www.eng.yicf.or.kr.

Chicago, the Musical

D-Cube Arts Center

Through Oct. 7

K-pop singers, Insooni and Ivy, will take to stage as the leading characters in this musical based on actual criminals and crimes reported in 1926. For more information, call (02) 1544-1555. Located near Sindorim Station on subway lines No. 1 and 2. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

Wicked

Blue Square

Broadway blockbuster “Wicked” made its debut in 2003 and a parallel story to “The Wizard of Oz.” Tickets cost 50,000 to 160,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hangangjin Station on subway line No. 6. For more information, call 1577-3363.

Man of La Mancha

Charlotte Theater

Inspired by Miguel de Cervantes’ 17th century masterpiece “Don Quixote,” this memorable musical is based on Dale Wasserman’s book “Man of La Mancha.” Located near Jamsil Station on subway line No. 2. Tickets cost 60,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.