AROUND TOWN 1

• Published Sep 17, 2015 4:01 PM KST
• Updated Sep 17, 2015 4:01 PM KST

Maksim & His Band Live in Korea

Yonsei University Grand Hall

Nov. 14

Pianist Maksim Mrvica will hold a concert at Yonsei University Grand Hall. He gained popularity with his powerful and delicate performances. With his powerful stage performance, strong beat music, and trendy style, Mrvica will perform a wide genre of music from classic, OST to pop. The hall is located near exit 3 of Sinchon Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 77,000 to 132,000 won. For more information, call (02) 568-8831.

Quatuor Ebene

LG Arts Center

Oct. 29

Quatuor Ebène, a French string quartet founded in 1999, will hold a concert at the LG Arts Center on Oct. 29. The group, which is comprised of members and long-time friends Raphaël Merlin, Pierre Colombet, Gabriel Le Magadure, and Mathieu Herzog, is known chiefly for its musical versatility, performing a variety of genres equally deftly, such as classical and contemporary music and jazz. Indeed, some of Quatuor Ebène's most popular performances stem from crossover, such as their rendition of music from the score of the iconic film "Pulp Fiction" and arrangements of classic hits by The Beatles. Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit

www.lgart.com.

Kenny G

Jangchung Gymnasium

Oct. 10

American saxophonist Kenny Bruce Gorelick, professionally known as Kenny G, will hold a concert on Oct. 10 at the Jangchung Gymnasium. Widely acclaimed as the biggest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era and one of the best-selling artists in history, Kenny G was first brought to the public's attention following the release of his fourth album, "Duotones." Ticket prices range from 88,000 to 176,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1644-8097 or visit

www.igme.co.kr.

Li Yundi, Vadim Repin and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Seoul Arts Center*

Oct. 30 and 31

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra will hold a concert with both Chinese pianist Li Yundi and Belgian-Russian violinist Vadim Repin in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 30 and 31, respectively. Founded in 1932 as a national broadcasting orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra played a pivotal role in welcoming European artists fleeing from political and social instability in the aftermath of the First World War. In more contemporary times, the orchestra constitutes a substantial function in the summer cultural calendar of Sydney, including Symphony in the Domain, an outdoor concert held in a massive park. The orchestra will perform first with Li, who is distinguished for being the youngest winner of the International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition, in 2000. They will collaborate on Smetana's "The Moldau" and Brahms's "Symphony No. 2," and Li will perform Chopin's "Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor." The following afternoon, the orchestra will share the stage with Repin, who was singled out by Yehudi Menuhin, himself considered one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century, as ‘the best and most perfect violinist.' The orchestra and Repin will perform Sculthorpe's "Sun Music II" and Sibelius's "Symphony No. 2," and Repin will treat the audience to his rendition of Bruch's "Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor." Ticket prices range from 60,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 552-2505 or visit senakorea.com.

‘Brahms'

Seongnam Arts Center

Oct. 22 and 23

The WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne will hold a concert celebrating the work of Brahms at the Seongnam Arts Center on October 22 and 23. Founded in 1947 by the Allied forces following the end of the Second World War, the orchestra is chiefly known for its performances of 20th century and contemporary music. Over the two-day period, the orchestra will perform Brahms's, "Symphonies No. 1 and 2" the first day and "Symphonies No. 3 and 4" on the following day. Ticket prices range from 50,000 to 200,000 won. For more information, call (031) 783-8000 or visitwww.snart.or.kr.

Itzhak Perlman

Nov. 15

Iraeli-american violinist Itzhak Perlman will hold a solo recital at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul on Nov. 15. Having first taught himself to mimic the motions of a violinist on a toy fiddle at the age of three, Perlman first attended the Shulamit Conservatory and studied under Rivka Goldgart in Tel Aviv before relocating to the United States, where he continued to pursue his passion at the Juilliard School. Accompanied by pianist Rohan de Silva, Perlman will perform Leclair's "Sonata for Violin and Piano in D Major, Op. 9, No. 3," Brahms's "Sonatensatz in C minor, Op. posth. "Fae Sonata," "Beethoven's "Sonata for Violin and Piano in F Major, No. 5, Op. 24," and Ravel's "Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in G Major." Ticket prices range from 60,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1577-5266 or visit

www.credia.co.kr.

‘Liszt vs. Paganini'

Oct. 24

A quartet of internationally recognized musicians, known especially for their deft interpretation of the music of Liszt and Paganini, will hold a concert at the Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 24. Pianists Jo Jae-hyuck and Peter Klimo will be performing respectively a selection of Liszt's repertoire, such as "Grande Etude de Paganini No. 6 S141," "Venezia e Napoli, 3. Tarantella S162," "Dante Sonata No. 7" and "Années de PelerinageItalie S161," while violinists BaekJoo-young and Kim Da-mi will play various pieces by Paganini, ranging from "Cantabile in D Major Op. 17 MS109" to "Le Streghe Witches Dance." Ticket prices range from 30,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2658-3546 or visit www.stompmusic.com.

‘20 Years'

Oct. 15-18

Famed Korean rock band YB will hold a concert at the LG Arts Center from Oct. 15 to 18 in celebration of their 20th anniversary. Consisting of lead vocalist Yoon Do-hyun, guitarists Heo Jun and Scott Hellowell, drummer Kim Jin-won and bassist Park Tae-hee, YB is commonly considered to be the most acknowledged rock band in Korea. They came to the forefront of the rock music scene during the 2002 World Cup with their renowned song "Oh! Pilsung Korea," an invigorating anthem that galvanized the entire nation during the most successful Korean run at a World Cup to date. In addition, 2011 became another auspicious year for the band, which participated in MBC's distinguished and wildly popular music show "I am a Singer" alongside seven other respected artists and rode on another wave of success as a result. They will perform many of their hit singles and signature songs, such as "A Flying Butterfly," "I'll Get Over You," and "Today." Ticket prices range from 77,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, call (02) 749-9037 or visit www.lgart.com.

Grand Mint Festival 2015

Olympic Park

Oct. 17-18

The Grand Mint Festival 2015 (GMF2015) will be held from Oct. 17-18 at Olympic Park. Having taken place for nine years, the festival will feature about 50 Korean and international artists, including 10cm, Hyuk-oh and Dear Cloud. Re:plus, the jazz hiphop artist group, is coming from Japan as well. Apart from concerts, special campaign events to highlight the plight of endangered species will be held. This year's theme is to remember animals in polar regions that have been driven close to extinction by indiscriminate poaching and global warming. The four stages of the festival include the Mint Breeze Stage, Club Midnight Sunset, Loving Forest Garden, and Café Blossom House. Ticket prices range from 88,000 to 150,000 won and people choose either a one or two day option. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.grandmintfestival.co.kr.

‘Neolithic Culture in Korea'

The National Museum of Korea

Oct. 20-Jan. 31, 2016

The National Museum of Korea will host an exhibition titled "Neolithic Culture in Korea" from Oct. 20 to Jan. 31, 2016. The Neolithic Era, also known as the New Stone Age, began around 10,200 B.C.E. in some parts of the Middle East, and ended between 4,500 and 2,000 B.C.E. During this prolific time in human and technological development, the Neolithic Era witnessed the beginning of farming, which spawned a revolution of sorts. Human beings during this time period began to display signs of cultural and behavioral progression, which included the use of wild and domestic crops and domestication of animals for farm use. In terms of cultural development, Neolithic societies, especially in the East Asian region, began to produce early pottery and carvings, which preceded the later bounteous development and advancement of pottery art in Asian cultures. On display will be numerous artifacts excavated from Dongsam-dong and Amsa-dong, the latter of which is famous for a prehistoric settlement site that was established after diagonal-line earthenware that corresponded to those of the Neolithic Era was discovered in 1925, and even more recent archaeological finds. For more information, call (02) 2077-9463 or visit www.museum.go.kr.

‘Sweet Sorrow 10th Anniversary Concert’

Olympic Park Olympic Hall

Nov. 13 ~ Nov. 15

Sweet Sorrow, a popular male a cappella pop group will hold a concert to celebrate the group’s 10th anniversary at the Olympic Park Olympic Hall. They received the grand prize at the 16th Yoo Jae-ha Music Contest in 2004. Sweet Sorrow recently made a remake of “Let’s Make Love” by Fourplay, and will sing OSTs from the movie “Twenty,” drama “The Girl Who Sees Smells” and web drama “Discovery of Love.” The hall is located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station, subway line 5 or exit 1 of Mongchontoseong Station, subway line 8. Tickets cost 88,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

SG WANNABE Come Back Concert ‘I WANNA BE IN YOU’

Oct. 9 ~ Oct. 10

SG WANNABE will hold concerts at Olympic Park Olympic Hall on Oct. 9 and 10 after a long break. After their debut in 2004, SG WANNABE gained popularity until late 2000s. The group has undergone member changes. Chae Dong-ha, the former leader of the group withdrew in 2008 and committed suicide in 2011. Lee Seok-hun newly joined the team in 2008 but left the group for mandatory military service and also Kim Yong-jun left. SG WANNABE went on a temporary break, but Kim Jin-ho kept singing and appeared on TV as a solo singer. Releasing the new album “THE VOICE” on Aug. 19 this year, SG WANNABE started performing together again. The hall is located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station subway line 5 or exit 1 of Mongchontoseong Station subway line 8. Tickets price 99,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or (02) 6092-3711, 3731.

Naturally 7

YES24 Muv Hall

Oct. 17

American music group Naturally 7 will hold a concert at YES24 Muv Hall on Oct. 17, back by popular demand after their first concert in Seoul in March. The group, which has made a name for its distinct a capella style they call "Vocal Play," became more widely known to the public after joining Michael Buble's Crazy Love Tour in 2008; they took to the stage for a special appearance at one of Buble's concerts earlier in 2015. Naturally 7 primarily sing R&B with extensive beat-boxing, making for a refreshing sound that shuns the unnecessary accouterments that afflict modern pop acts and instead focuses on the most important element of music: the human voice. Naturally 7 will perform many of their singles like "Wall of Sound," as well as covers of popular songs from the discography of renowned artists, such as Simon and Garfunkel. Tickets cost 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 568-8831 or visit blog.naver.com/genicontents.

2015 K-Jazz Festival

Nanji Han River Park

The Korea Jazz Association is holding the first K-Jazz festival at Nanji Han River Park on Oct. 17 and 18. Thirty Korean jazz musicians and bands from the 1970s to 2000s will perform, including the Shin Kwan-woong Big Band, Ryu Bok-Sung Latin Band, Lee Jeong-shik and Prelude. A one-day ticket is 20,000 won and a two-day pass costs 30,000. For more information, call (02) 324-5103 or visit www.jazzkorea.or.kr.

‘The Brave Brothers’

Hongik Daehangno Artcenter

Through Nov. 8

“The Brave Brothers” will be performed through Nov. 8 at Hongik Daehangno Artcenter. Famous comedian Jeong Jun-ha, actor Yoon Hee-suk and Donghyun from Boyfriend will act in the play. The story is about Lee seok-bong and Lee Ju-bong, siblings who had no contact with their father for three years returning to their hometowns after being notified of their father’s death. Aurora, a beautiful lawyer appears and tells them that their father stipulated that whoever finds his legacy first will take all of the money. The brothers compete to find the inheritance. The Artcenter is located near exit 3 of Hyehwa station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 40,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call 1666-8662 or visit www.hongikartcenter.com.

‘Muhan Dongryeok’

Daehangno TOM Theatre 1

Through Jan. 3, 2016

The musical “Muhan Dongryeok” will be performed through Jan. 1, 2016 at Daehangno TOM Theatre 1. The story is about young and discouraged 20 year olds such as Jang Seon-jae who keeps failing to get a job, Kim Sol who has only maintained her living with part time jobs over four years, and Jin Ki-han who pretends to prepare for civil servant bar exam but in reality is addicted to computer games. They live in a common rent house, and get close together. The musical is a remake version of the web cartoon “Muhan Dongryeok” by Joo Ho-min. The theater is located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 50,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

‘In the Heights'

Samsung BLUE SQUARE Card Hall

Through Nov. 22

A production of the crowd-pleaser "In the Heights" will be staged at the Samsung BLUE SQUARE Card Hall from Sep. 4 to Nov. 22. Set over the course of three eventful days in the predominantly Dominican-American sector in New York City, "In the Heights" centers on the lives of Usnavi, a bodega owner who dreams of opening a business in his motherland, and pines for the beautiful woman working in the neighboring beauty salon, all the while taking care of the aging Cuban lady living next door. Meanwhile, Nina, Usnavi's childhood friend, returns from Stanford after having dropped out due to exorbitant student loans, and enters into a romantic relationship with Benny, the non-Hispanic assistant at her father's dispatch office. Ticket prices range from 70,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1588-5212 or visit www.ntck.or.kr.

‘Once'

Charlotte Theater

Sep. 22 – Nov. 11

The original "Once," which received eight Tony Awards including "Best Musical," is coming to the Charlotte Theater from Sep. 22 to Nov. 11. The musical is based on a 2006 movie by Irish director John Carney. It depicts the relationship between Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, who fall in love with each other while making music. It was praised by the Chicago Tribune and Village Voice as one of the magnificent music movies of the century. Ticket prices range from 60,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 577-1987 or visit www.charlottetheater.co.kr.

‘The Pride'

Soohyeonjae Theatre

Through Nov. 1

The Soohyeonjae Theatre will be staging a Korean rendition of "The Pride," a British prizewinning play on sexuality and repression, from Aug. 8 to Nov. 1. Written by Alexi Kaye Campbell in 2008, "The Pride" revolves around two parallel love stories, interweaving between 1950s Britain, when stringent laws and hostile public perception of homosexuality forces Philip, one of the main protagonists, to suppress his attraction to Oliver, and present-day England, where the modern-day Philip finds himself on the verge of destroying his relationship with Oliver through his relentless pursuit of anonymous sex. BaeSoo-bin and Kang Pil-suk will play the role of Philip, while the role of Oliver will be assumed by Jeong Dong-hwa and Park Seong-hoon. Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 766-6007 or visit www.thebestplay.co.kr.

‘Man of La Mancha'

D-Cube Art Center

A production of the musical "Man of La Mancha" will be staged at the D-Cube Art Center from July 30 to Nov. 1. Written by Dale Wasserman initially as a non-musical teleplay, "Man of La Mancha" is partly inspired by the eventful life of Spanish literary genius Miguel de Cervantes and his canonical work "Don Quixote." Cho Seung-woo and Ryu Jung-han alternate the role of de Cervantes/ Don Quixote. Ticket prices range from 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1588-5212 or visit www.openreview.co.kr.

‘La Bayadere'

Oct. 27-Nov. 1

The Universal Ballet Company will stage a production of French ballet "La Bayadere" in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. "La Bayadere" was created by eminent French choreographer Marius Petipa, set to the music of Austrian composer Ludwig Minkus. First performed by the Mariinsky Ballet in 1877, "La Bayadere" remains ever popular with the ballet community, rendered primarily in two different versions. Set in a mysterious, make-believe Royal India of the past, "La Bayadere" revolves around the eternal love of Nikiya, a beautiful temple dancer, and Solor, a noble warrior. Both bound to others in terms of duty, but bound to each other in true love, the two star-crossed lovers must battle through the treacherous High Brahmin and his equally vindictive daughter, Gamzatti, to be united in death. Ticket prices range from 10,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1737 or visit www.ucfkorea.com.

‘Onegin'

Nov. 7-8

The Stuttgart Ballet Company will stage a production of "Onegin" in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center from Nov. 7 to 8. It tells the doomed love story of the timid yet charming Tatiana, whose object of affection, Eugene Onegin, cruelly rejects her and instead turns his attentions to Tatiana's sister, Olga. His idle actions enrage Olga's fiancé and Onegin's close and only friend, Lensky, who challenges him to a duel and is promptly killed. After leaving Russia, Onegin returns, many years later, to find that Tatiana, the woman he had heartlessly spurned, has grown into a beautiful and self-possessed woman. Although Onegin vociferously persuades Tatiana to leave her husband, Onegin's efforts are to no avail, a bittersweet fate that is reminiscent of Tatiana's pain years prior. Leading ballerina Kang Sue-jin will portray the tragic heroine Tatiana in her final role at the Stuttgart Ballet, while Jason Reilly will play the titular role of Onegin. Ticket prices range from 50,000 to 280,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1577-5266 or visit