Shanghai String Quartet ‘Asia Performs the World’
Hoam Art Hall
May 28
As part of the Seoul International Music Festival, the Shanghai String Quartet presents chamber music with clarinet prodigy Han Kim. The program includes Korea premieres of Bridge’s “Novelletten for String Quartet” and Penderecki’s “String Quartet No. 3.” Tickets cost 10,000 to 25,000 won. For more information visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 751-9607. Located near exit 9 of City Hall Station on subway line 2.
Korea Chamber Orchestra ‘New Voyage’
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center
May 31
The Seoul International Music Festival’s finale concert will feature maestro Grzegorz Nowak conducting the Korean Chamber Orchestra for the Asia premiere of Rachmaninov’s “Piano Concerto No. 5,” which is an arrangement of “Symphony No. 2.” Tickets cost 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2658-3546. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Concert for Pregnant Women
June 6
Seoul Arts Center presents a concert featuring works by Mozart, Schubert, Puccini, Handel, Debussy, Menken, Rossini and more for expecting mothers. YTN FM radio anchor Son Young-joo will provide narration. Tickets cost 10,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2658-3546. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Beethoven Cycle 4
Gyeonggi Arts Center
June 4
The Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra will play Beethoven’s masterpieces including “Symphony No.4 in B major, Op.60” and “Violin Concerto in D major, Op. 61,” which were composed during the happier periods of the composer’s life. Kim So-ok, a noted violinist in Europe, will appear as soloist. Tickets cost 5,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, visit artsuwon.or.kr or call (031) 228-2813~5. Located near Suwon Station on subway line 1.
Song for Victory with Geum Nan-sae
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts
May 30
The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts presents a concert to celebrate the upcoming 2010 World Cup. Geum Nan-sae will conduct the Eurasian Philharmonic Orchestra, joined by tenor Na Seung-seo, soprano Seo Hwal-ran, baritone Kim Dong-gyu and pop singer Insooni. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 100,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 2650-7481. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Victory Korea Concert for 2010 World Cup
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
June 3
Sports Seoul will host a concert to cheer on the Korean footballers for the upcoming South Africa World Cup. The Prime Philharmonic Orchestra will perform “Nessun Dorma” from the opera “Turandot,” “Oh, Happy Day” from the movie “Sister Act” and “Memory” from the musical “Cats” and the 2002 World Cup theme song “Champions.” Tickets cost from 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 944-8416. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
2010 SAC Artist Series
Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Center
Winning artists from the Seoul Arts Center Audition, including pianist Park So-hyun, will hold a concert. The program includes Haydn’s “Piano Sonata No. 60 in C major, Hob.XVI:50” and Liszt’s “Ballade No. 2 in B minor,” among others. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2658-3546. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Uterine Cervical Cancer Prevention Concert
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
The Korean Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology is holding a concert for cervical cancer prevention. Under the musical direction of Cho Yong-chang, the concert will offer the overture of Smetana’s opera “The Bartered Bride,” Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto in C major, Op. 56” and Britten’s “Simple Symphony Op. 4.” Tickets cost from 10,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-5212. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
4&4 Saxophone Quartet Concert
Sejong Chamber Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Tune into a chamber concert featuring classic tango tunes by Argentine master composer Astor Piazzolla including “Histoire du Tango,” “Le Grand Tango” and more. Tickets cost from 20,000 won. For more information, visit ticket,interpark.com or call 1588-5212. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Opera ‘Don Pasquale’
M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
June 23-27
The Seoul Metropolitan Opera will bring Donizetti’s comic opera “Don Pasquale” to the stage this June. The opera tells the story of an old bachelor Don Pasquale, who wants to marry in order to disinherit his rebellious nephew Ernesto. Tickets cost 10,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
Sweet Yawning
Sowol Art Hall
Through June 28
The Sookmyung Gayageum Orchestra presents a concert specially designed to facilitate prenatal education. The concert will feature modern versions of traditional music used for prenatal education in the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). All tickets cost 15,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 701-4879. Located near exit 9 of Wangsimni Station on subway lines 2 and 5.
Frankfurt Radio Symphony
May 29
The Frankfurt Radio Symphony will make its Korea debut. Paavo Jarvi, the ensemble’s newly appointed music director, will conduct Dvorak’s “New World” Symphony No. 9, and maestro pianist Paik Kun-woo will appear as a soloist for Brahms’ “Piano Concerto No. 1.” Tickets cost from 50,000 to 200,000 won. Call (02) 599-5743.
Chang Han-na’s ‘Absolute Classic’
Seongnam Arts Center
Aug. 14-28
Cello virtuoso and debutant conductor Chang Han-na will hold the 2010 season of “Absolute Classic,” an international music festival for youths. This year, her teacher, world famous Maestro Lorin Maazel, will participate in the event. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2232-1148. Located near exit 1 of Imae Station on the Bundang line.
Joshua Bell & St. Martin in the Fields
June 22
American Grammy Award-winning violinist Joshua Bell and English chamber orchestra The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields will hold a concert together this June, marking the beginning of “2010 Ditto Festival.” Tickets cost from 40,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Opera ’Aida’
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center
June 16-19
The 1st Korea Opera Festival presents “Aida” by the Sol’Opera next month. The show is directed by Paolo Bosisio and Antonio de Lucia and features a cast of top Italian and Korean singers including tenors Mario Malagnini and Lee Jeong-won. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1577-5266. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Rodin: Retrospective
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Aug. 22
Korea’s largest ever Auguste Rodin exhibition is being held in central Seoul through the summer. More than 180 sculptures and watercolor sketches will be on show, with several pieces being displayed for the first time outside of France. Admission is 12,000 won, for more information visit www.rodinseoul.com. Located behind Deoksugung Palace near City Hall Station on subway lines 1, 2 and 5.
Royal Tombs of the Joseon Dynasty
Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex
Through June 13
Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex is holding an exhibition where contemporary artists present works under the theme of the Royal Tombs of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Tickets cost 2,000 won for students and 3,000 won for adults. Visit www.artgy.or.kr or call 1577-7766. Located near exit 3 of Jeongbalsan Station on subway line 3.
Dialogue in the Dark
Vertigo
Open Run
The exhibition offers the public a world without sight. It recreates the everyday life of the visually impaired as visitors have only a guiding voice and walking stick to carry out different activities in pitch darkness. Tickets cost 30,000 won for adults and 20,000 won for children. Call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Sinchon Station on subway line 2.
MODAFE 2010
Arko Arts Theater, Daehangno Arts Theater
Through June 8
The 2010 Modern Dance Festival (MODAFE) will bring dancers from around the world together under the slogan, “Gender-Distance.” This year, 28 teams from 11 countries will bring stunning energy to this event. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, visit www.modafe.org or call (02) 765-5352. Both theaters located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
National Dance Company ‘Choon-hyang’
National Theater of Korea
May 28-June 1
The National Dance Company will present one of the most classic Korean traditional dance repertoires telling the story of two star-crossed lovers who try to fight social class barriers. Korean traditional props are expected to add more zest to the show. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3
UBC’s Ballet Highlights ‘Shim Chung’
Through May 30
The Universal Ballet Company (UBC) will stage the traditional Korean story of Shim Chung, a girl who cares for her blind father. One of the company’s staple repertories, the ballet is being staged here for the first in four years after being showcased to critical acclaim overseas. Tickets cost from 10,000 to 80,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 4 and 5 of Nambu Bus Terminal on subway line 3.
Hofesh Shechter Company from UK ‘Political Mother’
LG Arts Center
June 12-13
Popular British dance ensembles, led by Hofesh Shechter, will give their first full-length dance performance “Political Mother” in Korea this June. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.
Legend of Flower
Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Walkerhill Theatre
Experience both traditional and modern music through Walkerhill Theatre’s new dance production, “Legend of Flower.” Featuring four acts under the themes “Flower,” “Water and Fire,” “Wind” and “Golden Earth,” the performance will be a great chance to spend a lovely evening with friends and family. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 300,000 won, including dinner. Visit www.legendofflower.com. To get there, take the free shuttle bus at Gangbyeon Station, line 2, or Gwangnaru Station, line 5.
Usher live in Seoul
Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park
July 3
R&B superstar Usher is performing in Seoul for the first time. The singer released his latest album “Raymond V. Raymond” last March, and local fans will get a live performance of tracks from the new album as well as other hits. Tickets cost from 80,000 to 146,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Lee Seung-hwan
Melon AX
Singer-songwriter Lee Seung-hwan is preparing an exciting show for his fans to celebrate the release of his upcoming album. It will be his first album in four years, and he is expected to wow fans with both his old hits and new songs. All tickets cost 55,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5.
Cho Yong-pil
Jamsil Olympic Stadium
May 28-29
Veteran singer Cho Yong-pil will hold a special charity concert titled “Love in Love” to support children with cancer. Tickets cost from 90,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.
Lee Seung-chul
June 5
Korean pop star Lee Seung-chul will hold his 25th anniversary concert. The concert will feature his best songs, including those appearing on soundtracks of famous dramas, reinterpreted into new classic and rock styles. Tickets cost from 25,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-4992. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.
Mika in Seoul
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park
June 12
Pop sensation Mika will perform this June for the second time in Korea. Tickets range from 77,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3443-9669. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Rainman
Doosan Art Center
Through June 27
Based on the movie of the same name, the play offers warmth and laughter through the story of two brothers. Selfish Charlie Babbit’s father left a fortune to his autistic older brother Raymond and they go on a journey in which Charlie unexpectedly discovers a love for his family he never knew he had. The cast includes well-known Korean TV star Sang-won Park. Tickets cost 20,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 708-5001. Located near exit 1 of Jongro 5 Ga station on subway line 1.
Brothers Were Brave
Coex Artium
Through June 20
The Korean musical “Brothers Were Brave” will be performed this April with a brand-new cast of stars, including Hong Rok-gi, Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Jae-man, and Onew from SHINee. The musical is about two brothers Suk-bong and Ju-bong trying to receive their deceased father’s inheritance. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 80,000 won. Visit ticket.intepark.com or call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 6 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.
Midnight Sun
M Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts
Through May 29
Based on the Japanese drama and movie of the same title, “Midnight Sun” is about a girl named Kaoru, who can’t be exposed to sunlight because of a disease she suffers from, and a boy named Koji, who is always out in the sun surfing. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 50,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 399-1772. Located near exit 3 of City Hall Station on subway line 1 and 2, or exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5.
The Phantom of the Opera
Charlotte Theater
Through Aug. 8
This Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is one of the world’s best-selling Broadway hits and has prompted huge growth in the Korean musical industry. The show has come back to Seoul after eight years. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.
My Mother
Woori Financial Art Hall, Olympic Park
This musical tells the story of a mother and daughter and shows how their relationship changes when the daughter gets married. Veteran actresses Kim Su-mi and Seon Woo Yong-nyeo will play the role of the mother. Tickets cost from 66,000 to 99,000 won. Visit ticketlink.co.kr or call 1588-1407. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5.
Miss Saigon
Grand Theater, Chungmu Art Hall
Through Sept. 12
One of the world’s most beloved musicals, Miss Saigon, is currently on stage in Korea. Set in 1970s Saigon during the Vietnam War, this is a tragic tale of a woman abandoned by her American lover. Tickets range from 22,000 to 110,000 won for weekdays and 33,000 to 121,000 won for weekends. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6.
Billy Elliot
Aug. 13- Open Run
One of the decade’s top-class sensational musicals, “Billy Elliot,” will be staged in Korea as the first non-English production in Asia and the fourth in the world. In England during the historic 1984-85 miners’ strike, Billy pursues his dream to become a ballerino in secret. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 130,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 3446-9630. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam Station on subway line 2.
All Shook Up
Hanjeon Art Center
The Korean version of the Broadway musical “All Shook Up,” which was inspired by the hit songs of Elvis Presley, is on stage at Hanjeon Art Center. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 90,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1588-5212. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
The Mission
June 13- July 6
Based on the original screenplay by Robert Bolt and music by Andrea and Ennio Morricone, “The Mission” is set in South America and depicts the journey of Catholic Jesuit priests in converting the indigenous Guarani population in Paraguay. Tickets cost from 60,000 to 200,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 525-1621. Located near exits 1 and 8 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5