Around Town 1
Classical concert
Mariss Jansons & Bavarian Radio Symphony
Seoul Arts Center
Nov. 20-21
One of the greatest maestros, Mariss Jansons and his radio symphony orchestra will perform their first concert in Korea. The Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra was founded in 1949, and has been led by Mariss Jansons since 2003. The orchestra will play classics by Beethoven in two concerts. Tickets cost 70,000 to 350,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743 or visit www.sac.or.kr.
Yo-Yo Ma
Seoul Arts Center*
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.
Maestro Valery Gergiev & Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra
Nov. 6-7
Maestro Valery Gergiev visits Korea with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra. At their first visit in 2005, they left a great impression with symphonies from Tchaikovsky and Wagner’s “The Ring of the Nibelung.” The orchestra will be accompanied by two promising Korean pianists, Son Yeol-eum and Cho Seong-jun. Tickets cost 70,000 to 270,000. For more information, call (070) 8680-1277 or visit www.sac.or.kr
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
Sejong Center for Performing Arts
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.
Big tickets
Sting: Back to Bass Tour Live in Seoul
Olympic Gymnastics Hall, Olympic Park
Dec. 5
Sting of “Every Breath of You,” and “Shape of My Heart” will perform his fourth concert in Korea on Dec. 5. The “Back to Bass Tour” started last year to celebrate his 25th anniversary of solo activity. Tickets cost 77,000 to 198,000 won. For more information, call (02) 332-3277.
Elton John: 40th Anniversary of the Rocket
Man Tour
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.
Maxwell: Maxwell World Winter Warm Up
Dec. 8
American R&B star Maxwell (Gerald Maxwell Rivera) will entertain fans in Korea. He received six nominations for the 2010 Grammy Awards, winning Best R&B Album, and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for “Pretty Wings,” which was also nominated for Song of the Year. His song, “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever” is one of the most popular R&B songs in Korea. Tickets cost 77,000 to 198,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3143-5156 or visit www.interpark.com.
Museum
Maya 2012
National Museum of Korea
Through Oct. 28
The National Museum of Korea presents the special exhibition, Maya 2012, which 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. Admission is Free. For more information, call (02) 2077-9271 or visit www.museum.go.kr.
Pop& Jazz
2AM: The Way of Love
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
Nov. 24-25
Having traveled to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, popular K-pop group 2AM will mark their last performance of the tour in Seoul. 2AM is a four-member boy band managed by JYP Entertainment. The most recognized song by the group is “Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die.” Its members are Jo Kwon, Lee Chang-min, Lim Seul-ong and Jeong Jin-woon. Tickets cost 66,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 410-1601 or visit www.olympicpark.co.kr.
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.
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.
Dance
SIDance 2012
Through Oct. 20
Organized by the International Dance Council, The Seoul International Dance Festival introduces Korean dance to international stages. SIDance this year is a World Dance Festival, with performances by world — renowned international companies including the Cullberg Ballet, a Swedish contemporary dance company. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3216-1185 or visit www.sac.or.kr.
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. The Universal Ballet was originally founded in Korea, performing classical story ballets. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1740 or visit www.uac.co.kr.
Swan Lake
Sejong Center
Nov. 11-13
Mariinsky Ballet is a classical ballet company based in Russia. It was founded in the 18th century by the Imperial Russian Ballet. The Company, 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.
Plays& Musicals
Les Miserables
Yongin Poeun Art Hall
Nov. 3-25
The musical “Les Miserables,” based on the novel by Victor Hugo, was first launched in London 25 years ago. This is the first licensed Korean production of 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.
The Phantom of the Opera
Blue Square
Dec. 7 - Open run
One of the most famous musicals, “The Phantom of the Opera” will celebrate its 25th anniversary in Korea. The Broadway musical will hit the stage with a star-studded cast, including Brad Little who has played the Phantom over 2,200 times. Tickets cost 50,000 to 160,000 won. Located between exit 2 and 3 of Hangangjin on Subway line No.6. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.phantomoftheopera.co.kr.
Hero
Through Nov. 18
The musical “Hero” is about Ahn Jung-geun, a Korean independence activist, who assassinated Ito Hirobumi, the first Prime Minister of Japan, when Korea was on the verge of annexation by Imperial Japan. Tickets cost 110,000 to 120,000 won. Located between exit 2 and 3 of Hangangjin on Subway line No.6. For more information, call (02) 2250-5925.
Aida
D-Cube Arts Center
Dec. 2- April 28, 2013
Seesee Company presents “Aida,” a musical with melodies by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice originally performed by Disney Theatrical Productions on Broadway. Aida was first conceived of for production as an animated film for Disney that became highly successful, finally becoming a musical with four Tony Awards and named as one of the top 10 theater productions by Time Magazine. Tickets cost 60,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2211-3000 or visit www.d4art.co.kr.