Around town 1

Classical Concerts

Andrei Gavrilov & St. Petersburg State Symphony

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

Nov. 27

St. Petersburg State Symphony and pianist Andrei Gavrilov will perform under the direction of Vladimir Lande in their Seoul concert. They will perform Glinka’s “Rouslan & Ludmilar Overture,” Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto No. 1,” and “Symphony No.5.” Tickets cost 50,000 to 200,000 won.

Yo-Yo Ma

Seoul Arts Center*

Nov. 13

Renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma will have 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 from 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 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 “Symphony No. 3,” on the first day, and “Symphony No. 6,” and “Symphony No. 7” the next day. Tickets cost 70,000 to 350,000 won.

The German 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. 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 top five orchestras — Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, New York, and Philadelphia. He will play Beethoven’s “Egmont Overture,” and Prokofiev’s “Piano Concerto No. 3.” Tickets cost 90,000 to 160,000 won.

Pop&Jazz

‘The Jazz Quartet’ with Prelude

Doosan Art Center

Nov. 10

The Jazz band Prelude will hold a concert with a short film, “The Jazz Quartet,” which the band starred in and was directed by Yu Dae-ul, a twin brother of pop singer Naul. Located near exit 5 of Jongno 5-ga Station on line 1. Tickets cost 33,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (02) 515-1565 or visit www.doosanartcenter.com.

2012 Super Rock Show

Olympic Hall, Olympic Park*

Nov. 11

Three Korean rock bands that have built their reputation through the audition program “KBS Top Band” — PIA, Transfixion, and Gate Flowers — will hold a joint performance. Each group will perform for about 50 minutes. Tickets cost 22,000 to 55,000 won. For more information, call 1588-3154.

2AM: The Way of Love

Nov. 24-25

Having traveled to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Japan, popular K-pop group 2AM will mark their last performance of their 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.

Bobby Kim

Gangdong Arts Center

Nov. 9-10

Hip-hop and soul singer Bobby Kim will be performing live in concert. He will feature his own hit numbers and songs he sang on the MBC TV singer survival contest, “I Am a Singer.” Located near exit 4 of Godeok Station on line 5. Tickets cost 40,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 440-0500 or visit www.gangdongarts.or.kr.

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. The venue of the performance is located at exit 2 of Gwangnaru on Subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 407-2589 or visit interpark.com.

Big Tickets

Sting: Back to Bass Tour Live in Seoul

Olympic Gymnastics Hall, Olympic Park*

Dec. 5

Sting will have 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 or visit livenation.kr.

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 or visit ticket.interpark.com.

Maxwell: Maxwell World Winter Warm Up

Dec. 8

Gerald Maxwell Rivera, known as Maxwell, is a star of American Rhythm & 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, (02) 3143-5156.

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. The trio will perform pieces including “Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence,” “Rain” and “The Last Emperor.” Tickets cost 50,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.

Elton John: 40th Anniversary of the Rocket Man Tour

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.

Museums

The Best under Heaven, the Celadons of Korea

National Museum of Korea

Through Dec. 16

The National Museum of Korea holds its second exhibition that deals with Goryeo celadon following its first one in 1989. It consists of four parts including the history of Goryeo celadon. A total of 350 examples of celadon are on display including 18 National Treasures and 11 Treasures. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2077-9499 or visit museum.go.kr.

‘Les Miserables’

Yongin Poeun Art Hall

Through Nov. 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.

‘Rudolf’

Chungmu Art Hall

Nov. 10-Jan. 13, 2013

The musical, “Rudolf,” based on the novel, “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 call (02) 2230-6601 or visit www.musicalrudolf.co.kr.

‘Burn the Floor’

Seongnam Arts Center*

“Burn the Floor” is a dance musical on the basis of ballroom dance such as “Waltz,” “Tango,” “Samba,” and “Salsa.” Broadway’s star-studded cast of dance production has performed since 1999. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 Won. For more information, call (031) 783-8000 or visit www.burnthefloor.com/world-tour.

‘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, call 1544-1591 or visit bluesquare.kr.

Dance

‘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.

‘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, visit www.universalballet.com.