The National Chorus of Korea Debut Concert III
Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Center * (Refer to Venues listed on right for location/contact information)
June 11
The National Chorus of Korea is holding its third debut concert to select a new conductor for the chorus. Contestants include conductors Lee Sung-hoon and Kim Hong-soo, and the program is divided into three parts ― mixed, male-only and female-only groups. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 won. For more information call 1588-7890.
Friendly Flute Ensemble 2nd Concert
Sejong Chamber Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
June 6
Nine talented flute players and a double bass player will introduce a wide variety of music from baroque to contemporary. The program includes the overture from the opera “Nabucco” by Verdi, the finale from Haydn’s “Symphony No. 6 ‘Le Matin,’” Mendelssohn Scherzo, Op.61-1” and more. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-0945.
Sejong Soloists Society ‘The Red Priest Series’
Hoam Art Hall*
June 15
Sejong Soloists Society named its 2010project “The Red Priest Series” after Vivaldi’s nickname. Young internationals artists will play Vivaldi’s “Concerto for Strings in F major, RV 142,” “Concerto for Two Cellos in G minor, RV 531,” Mozart’s “Piano Quartet No. 1 in G minor, K. 478” and Tchaikovsky’s “Souvenir de Florence, Op. 70.” Programs are subjected to change. Tickets cost 30,000. For more information, 02)751-9607.
Dmitri Berlinsky with Boris Slutsky
Youngsan Art Hall
June 24
A professor in the music department of Michigan State University, violinist Dmitri Berlinsky will hold a concert with pianist Boris Slutsky and Lee Jung-wha, his student who teaches at the Peabody Conservatory of Music. The program includes Beethoven’s “Sonata No. 5 ‘Spring,’” Prokofiev’s “Sonata No. 2 in D major, Op. 94a,” Ravel’s “Tzigane” and more. Tickets cost 50,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-0945. Located near exit 1 of Yeoinaru Station line 5.
2010 To Know, To Love
June 18
Dukyoung Organization is holding a concert in the hopes of embracing Korea’s multicultural communityThe Dukyoung Trio, consisting of only percussion players, will perform Dvorak’s “Piano Trio No. 4 in E minor, Op. 90 ‘Dumdy’”; Ensemble Rhythmico will offer “Holy Mozart” and “Mozart at the Opera”; and the Rainbow Korea Chorus will sing Korean traditional songs. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call 02)586-0945. Located near exit 1 of Yeoinaru Station line 5.
Schumann’s 200th Anniversary Series 1
Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center*
June 26
A vocal performance will be held in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the birth of Robert Schuman, featuring songs inspired by the love story between the composer and his wife, the pianist Clara. Soprano Jang Hyung-joo, a professor at Yonsei University, and Kim Sae-il, the winning tenor from the 8th International Lied Competition of the Japan Schubert Society, will sing duets including “Liebhabers Staendchen, Op. 34-2” and “Tanzlied, Op. 78-1.” Tickets cost 20,000 won to 30,000. For more information, call 1577-7766.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joshua Bell & St. Martin in the Fields
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
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.
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.
Rodin: Retrospective
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Aug. 22
More than 180 sculptures and watercolor sketches will be on show at Korea’s largest ever Auguste Rodin exhibition. Admission is 12,000 won, for more information visit www.rodinseoul.com. Located behind Deoksugung Palace near City Hall Station on subway lines 1 and 2.
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.
Dialogue in the Dark
Vertigo
Open Run
The exhibition 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.
6th Busan Int’l Dance Festival
Special stages near Haeundae, Busan Cultural Center, Busan University, Grand Hotel.
June 4-8
Inaugurated in 2005, the Busan International Dance Festival (BIDF) is back with more variety and a higher standard of performances. The festival this year hosts 56 troupes from 10 countries including Russia, China, Estonia, Venezuela, the U.S. and India giving fresh diversity to the event. Call (0505) 555-2949. Located near Haeundae subway station near Paradise Hotel.
Baby: Battle B-boy
June 4 -open run
Hongdae B-boy Theater
The energetic break dance show will offer lots to watch with a great story. An unskilled B-boy, Han, is an outcast in his team, but one day, his life changes when he learns Korean traditional dance from a girl whom he met during practice. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 323-5233. Located near exit 5 of Hongik University station line number 2.
Hofesh Shechter Company from UK ‘Political Mother’
LG Arts Center*
June 12-13
British dance ensembles, led by Hofesh Shechter, will give their first full-length dance performance “Political Mother” in Korea. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. Visit ticket.interpark.com or call (02) 2005-0114. Located near exit 7 of Yeoksam 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. Visit www.modafe.org or call (02) 765-5352. Both theaters located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4.
Legend of Flower
Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Walkerhill Theatre
Experience both traditional and modern music through Walkerhill Theatre’s dance production, “Legend of Flower.” The performance will feature four acts under the themes “Flower,” “Water and Fire,” “Wind” and “Golden Earth.” 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.
European Jazz Trio
Since 2003, the European Jazz Trio (EJT) has been visiting Korea for an annual live concert. This year it will celebrate the South Africa World Cup and perform “Oh, Pilseung Korea” in jazz style. The piano is played by Marc Van Roon, bass by Frans van der Hoeven, and drums by Roy Dackus. Tickets cost 22,000 won to 88,000 won. Call (02) 720-3933.
Vibe: Vibe in Praha
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park*
June 18,19
Famous Korean R&B duo Vibe is holding a promotional concert for it’s 4th Album “Vibe in Praha.” All four new songs on the album as well as the group’s hit songs will be performed. Tickets cost from 44,000 won to 88,000 won. Call (02) 3485-8700.
Lee Seung-chul
Jamsil Olympic Stadium
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
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, call (02) 3443-9669.
Rainman
Doosan Art Center
Through June 27
The play is based on the movie of the same name. 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. Tickets cost 20,000 to 60,000 won. Call (02) 708-5001. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5 Ga station on subway line 1.
Brothers Were Brave
Coex Artium
Through June 20
The Korean musical “Brothers Were Brave” is on stage. 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. Call (02) 738-8289. Located near exit 6 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.
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 returned to Seoul after eight years. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 130,000 won. Call (02) 501-7888. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8.
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. 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. 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. Call (02) 3446-9630.
All Shook Up
Hanjeon Art Center
The Korean version of the Broadway jukebox 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. Call 1588-5212. Located near exit 1 of Yangjae Station on subway line 3.
The Mission
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
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