Lindenbaum Music Festival
Concert Hall and Recital Hall of Seoul Arts Center*, Xi Gallery, and Korea National University of Arts (* See venues for more information)
June 28- July 5
The Lindenbaum Music Festival is being held for the second time since it was launched in 2009 for supporting young, talented musicians. Renowned conductor Charles Dutoit and some of the world’s best musicians including pianist Paik Kun -woo will take part. The event is divided into three parts: the Orchestra Academy, Chamber Orchestra Music Concert and Orchestra Concert. Tickets cost 30,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.lbmf.or.kr or www.facebook.com/lindenbaum2010, or call (02) 720-1013.
Opera ‘Arang’
Myeongdong Theater
June 26-27
“Arang,” the winning piece in the Korea National Opera’s scriptwriting contest, will be staged. It is a moving story about redemption that revolves around the spirit of a young girl who has been raped and killed. The mini opera will offer a unique mix of traditional Korean music and Western-style opera. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call 1644-2003. Located near exit 6 of Euljiro 1-ga Station on subway line 2 or exit 6 of Myeongdong Station on line 4.
Summer Classics
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
July 30, 31
MC Oh Sang-jin will give explanations on the musical instruments used, as well as the special features of each movement, and listeners’ etiquette. The program is divided into two parts including Tchaikovsky’s “Valse des Fleurs” from “The Nutcracker,” Verdi’s “Libiamo ne’lieti calici” from “La Traviata,” and Britten’s “The Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra Op.34.” Tickets cost from 5,000 to 25,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1145.
1st Summer Lecture Concert for Youth
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*; Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
July 24, 31
Flutist Kim Mi-hi, the first foreigner to become a national professor in France, and powerful female conductor Abe Kanako will deliver beautiful pieces such as “Piccolo Concerto in C major, RV.443” by A.L. Vivaldi, “Flute Concerto No.2 in D major, K.314” by W.A. Mozart, “Airs Valaques Op.10 for Flute and Orchestra” by F. Doppler, and “Symphony No.7 in A major, Op.92.” Tickets cost from 10,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, call (02)580-1300 or 1577-7766.
Opera ‘La Traviata’
Opera House, Seoul Arts Center*
June 25-28
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Korea-Russia diplomatic relations, opera “La Traviata” is being staged ,inviting soprano Natalia Voronkina and baritone Youri Debin in main roles. The opera is set in 19th-cenutury Paris, where a rich man falls in love with a prostitute and tragedy ensues. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02)741-7389 or visit www.latraviata.co.kr.
Challenge & Evolution
Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, Namsangol Hanok Village
June 29
The Korea Foundation Culture Center presents “The Korea Foundation Concert for Foreign Residents 2010” under the theme of “Challenge & Evolution.” The concert is not only open to foreigners, but also to Koreans who enjoy traditional music. The program features pansori, jazz, world music, and many other bands and ensembles. Free admission. For more information, call (02) 2151-6513. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro Station on subway lines 3 and 4.
Julius & Friends 5
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
June 27
Pianist Julius Jeong-won Kim will offer the fifth edition of his annual chamber concert, which has sold out for four consecutive years. Pianist Peter Jablonski will join the group for Mozart’s “Piano Sonata for Four Hands in C major, K.521” among others. Tickets cost from 55,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, visit stompmusic.com or call 1588-7890.
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, pianist Clara. Soprano Jang Hyun-joo, and Kim Sae-il, the winning tenor from the 8th International Lied Competition of the Japan Schubert Society, will sing duets. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 30,000 won.
Duo Recital
As part of the 2010 Ditto Festival, rising star cellist Gautier Capucon and gifted pianist Lim Dong-hyuk will team up to play the works of Chopin and Rachmaninov. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555.
The Very Best
Cellist Gautier Capucon, a top recording artist for Virgin Classics, will team up with “the Paganini of the trumpet” Sergei Nakariakov. Conductor Adriel Kim, who is known as “a young maestro chosen by Panula,” will work with the two soloists. Tickets costs from 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300
Opera ‘Don Pasquale’
M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Through June 27
The Seoul Metropolitan Opera will bring Donizetti’s comic opera “Don Pasquale” to the stage. 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, 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. For more information, call (02) 2232-1148.
Opera ‘Carmen’
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center *
July 3-7
The Beseto Opera will stage Bizet’s popular opera “Carmen” as part of the 1st Korea Opera Festival. Mezzo-sopranos Choi Seung-hyeon from Korea and Galia Ibragimova from the Czech Republic will play Carmen. Co-produced with the Prague State Opera, this rendition was shown in the Czech Republic. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 200,000 won. Call (02) 3476-6224.
Rodin: Retrospective
Seoul Museum of Art
Through Aug. 22
More than 180 sculptures and watercolor sketches is 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.
The Pulitzer Prize Picture Exhibition
Hangaram Design Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Aug. 29
Over 100 pictures that won the Pulitzer Prize, the Nobel Prize of the media world, are on display. The photographs tell stories in history and everyday life reflecting happiness, anger, sadness and joy by capturing critical moments . Tickets cost from 6,000 won to 10,000. For more information, visit pulitzerkorea.com.
White Porcelain Jars: Embracing the Joseon Ideals and Rituals
Fine Arts Gallery II, National Museum of Korea
Through Nov. 14
The exhibition is designed to show off the unique features of the Joseon ceramics through its jars. Such jars as placenta jar, burial ware and jar with dragon motif were created for specific purposes with the unique culture and the aesthetic of the Joseon royal family at work only within the court. Located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
2010 Bobby Kim Tour Concert
Incheon Culture & Arts Center
July 11
Bobby Kim is holding a nationwide tour with a stopover in Incheon. The rapper/singer will offer songs from his three solo albums as well as tracks by other artists. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 88,000 won. Call (032) 322-1544. To get there, transfer to Incheon Metro at Bupyeong Station on line 1, and get off at Incheon Culture & Arts Center Station Gate, exits 6 and 7.
The King’s Singers in Seoul
June 30
The world famous British a cappella vocal ensemble ― composed of six members ― has more than 2000 songs in their repertoire. They will present new arrangements by the members and other well-known contemporary composers. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information call (02) 2650-7481.
Hoyoung 2 Ocean
KT&G Sangsang Art Hall
July 8-25
Under the theme of “vacation,” pop star Son Ho-young is holding a concert. This is his second time to perform in a small theater, and various themes such as mountains and oceans will add more variety and fun to the show. Tickets cost 77,000 won. For more information, (02) 3404-4314 or visit www.sangsangarthall.com. Located near exit number 2 of Samseong Station on line 2.
Summer IS+land
Amphitheater, Yonsei Culture and Art Center
July 24
Korea’s top pop artists SG Wannabe, MC Mong, Min Kyung-hoon, Shin Jung-hwan and Maybee will hold a joint concert. Each singer will not only have his/her own stage, but also work with other participating artists to add more excitement to the show. Tickets cost 55,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Sinchon Station on line 2.
Baby: Battle B-boy
Hongdae B-boy Theater
Open run
This energetic break dance show will offer lots to watch with a great story. An unskilled B-boy, Han, is an outcast. But one day, his life changes when he learns Korean traditional dance from a lovely young girl. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 323-5233. Located near exit 5 of Hongik University station on line 2.
Legend of Flower
Sheraton Grande Walkerhill, Walkerhill Theatre
Open Run
Experience both traditional and modern music through this dance production. 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 or call (02)455-5000. To get there, take the free shuttle bus at Gangbyeon Station, line 2, or Gwangnaru Station, line 5.
Rainman
Doosan Art Center
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 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, featuring a dark love triangle, 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.
Billy Elliot
LG Arts Center*
Aug. 13- Open Run
“Billy Elliot” will be staged in Korea as the first non-English production in Asia. In England during the historic 1984-85 miners’ strike, a young boy Billy pursues his dream to become a ballerino in secret. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 130,000 won. Call (02) 3446-9630.
The Mission
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Through 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. Call (02) 525-1621.
Jack the Ripper
Seongnam Arts Center*
July 22- August 22
Reproduced by the Musical Company, Jack the Ripper, originally created by musical author Vaso Patejdl and libretto by Ivan Hejna, will be performed in Korea. Based on a true story from London, 1888, the case of a cruel serial killer remains unsolved and the show unveils the truth behind the case through the investigation. Tickets cost 30,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit www.jacktheripper.co.kr or call (031) 783-8000.
A Chorus Line
COEX Artium
June 26-Aug. 22
A Korean rendition of the award-winning Broadway musical “A Chorus Line” will be produced in collaboration with the original creative team. It will be directed and choreographed by Baayork Lee with a cast of local musical actors. Tickets cost from 60,000 won to 100,000 won. Visit www.achorusline.co.kr or call (02) 747-5811. Located near exit 6 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.