Classical concerts
Classical Concerts
Maestro Valery Gergiev & Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 6-7
Maestro Valery Gergiev will lead the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra for two performances in Seoul. The first will feature Shostakovich’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Symphony No. 1, and Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 5 with pianist Son Yeol-eum; the second will showcase pianist Cho Seong-jin playing Brahms’s Symphony No. 2, Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 1 and Symphony No. 5. Tickets cost 70,000 to 270,000 won.
Yo-Yo Ma
Nov. 13
Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma has a recital with pianist Kathryn Stott, with whom he has performed for the last 35 years. The program will cover a variety of pieces from Astor Piazzolla’s “Oblivion” to Brahms’s Sonata No. 3. Tickets cost 50,000 to 180,000 won.
Radu Lupu Piano Recital
Nov. 17
Romanian piano virtuoso Radu Lupu is noted for his performances of works by great 19th century composers. Though he studied at the Moscow Conservatory and is influenced by the Russian school, he is also is known for his excellent reinterpretation of Schubert, Brahms, and Beethoven. In his first visit to Korea, he is scheduled to play pieces by Schubert and Beethoven. Tickets cost 50,000 to 130,000 won.
Mariss Jansons & the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra
Nov. 20-21
Maestro Mariss Jansons will conduct the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra in their first concerts in Korea. Jansons, who has been with the orchestra since 2003, will conduct Beethoven’s Symphony No. 2 and No. 3, “Eroica,” on the first day, and the No. 6, ” and Symphony No. 7 on the second day. Tickets cost 70,000 to 350,000 won.
The German Radio Philharmonic Orchestra
Sejong Center for the 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. The orchestra was organized in 2007, and will play Beethoven’s “Coriolan Overture,” Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto, and Brahms’s Symphony No. 1. Tickets cost 40,000 to 110,000 won.
Lang Lang Piano Concert
Nov. 28
Chinese pianist Lang Lang will perform with the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra. He is the first Chinese pianist who has played with Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and America’s big five orchestras — Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, and Philadelphia. He will play Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture,” Piano Concerto No. 5, and Prokofiev’s Piano Concerto No. 3. Tickets cost 90,000 to 160,000 won.
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 250 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 Indoor 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. This tour is to celebrate her new album, “Little Broken Heart,” and the new single, “Good Morning, Happy Pills, Say Goodbye” will be also performed. Tickets cost 99,000 to 165,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Maxwell: Maxwell World Winter Warm Up
Dec. 8
Gerald Maxwell Rivera, known as Maxwell is a star of American rhythm and blues. 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 the “Song of the Year.” His song, “Whenever, Wherever, Whatever” is one of the most popular R&B songs among Koreans. Tickets cost 77,000 to 198,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3143-5156 or visit www.interpark.com.
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 singles 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 pieces 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.
Sting: Back to Bass Tour Live in Seoul
Dec. 5
Sting will perform his fourth concert in Korea on Dec. 5. The “Back to Bass Tour” started last year to celebrate his 25th anniversary as a solo artist. Tickets cost 77,000 to 198,000 won. For more information, call (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 Guatemala. It examines the civilization of the Mayans in great depth. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.
Pop & Jazz
Brian Mcknight: Encore Show Acoustic
Ax Korea
Nov. 30
Brian Mcknight, singer of “Back at One,” “One Last Cry,” or “Anytime” will have a show in Korea. The American singer-song writer who plays eight instruments ranging from piano to trombone was a big hit last November. Tickets cost 99,000 won. Located exit 2 of Gwangnaru on Subway line No. 5. For more information, call 1544-1555, or visit interpark.com.
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 boy group is “Can’t Let You Go Even If I Die.” The members of the group 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 ticket.yes24.com.
Cance
Universal Ballet: ‘The Nutcracker’
Universal Art Center
Dec. 21-31
The Universal Ballet, one of the leading ballet companies in Korea, will stage the original Mariinsky Theater-version of “The Nutcracker.” This version was created by Vasily Vainonen in St. Petersburg in 1934. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1737 or visit www.universalballet.com.
‘Swan Lake’
Nov. 11-13
Mariinsky Ballet, founded in the 18th century by the Imperial Russian Ballet, 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 1577-5266 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 performed 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, visit eng.yicf.or.kr.
‘Hero’
Blue Square
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 its neighbor. The large-scale musical features striking special effects. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit interpark.com.
‘Rudolf’
Chungmu Art Hall
Nov. 10-Jan. 13, 2013
The musical, “Rudolf,” based on the novel, “A Nervous Splendor,” which dealt with the Mayerling incident in 1889, will be on stage from Nov. 10. The cast features Ahn Jae-wook, Im Tae-kyung, and Park Eun-tae as Crown Prince Rudolf of Austria. Oak Joo-hyun, Choi Yu-ha, and Kim Bo-kyung will portray Rudolf’s lover, Mary Vetsera. Tickets cost 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, visit interpark.com.