The Beatles for Orchestra
Aram Concert Hall, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
Aug. 26
Songs of the legendary pop group the Beatles will be reborn in classical music form to deliver a novel crossover experience for the audience. The program features ``Yesterday’’ for string orchestra and ``Hey Jude’’on the piano, among other timeless numbers. Tickets cost 15,000.
2010 Ahn Eak-tai Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Sep. 1
A concert will commemorate Ahn Eak-tai, the great maestro and composer of the Korean national anthem ``Aegukga.’’ The program includes Ahn’s ``Korea Fantasy,’’of which the theme became the anthem, and ``White Lily.’’Also included are Beethoven’s ``Egmont’’ overture and ``Piano Concerto No.24 in C minor, K.491.’’Admission is free of charge. For more information, call (02) 581-5404 or visit www.ahneaktai.or.kr.
Composers’ Alliance of New Music
Recital Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Aug. 24
A group of contemporary Korean composers will hold a concert exploring the timeless quality of music. The program includes “Spring Coming With Drizzle From Four Seasons at the Secret Garden for Harmonica and Piano,” “Bacchanal for Seven Players,” “Three Fragments for Gayageum (Korean 12-string zither) and Janggu (Korean traditional drum)” and more. Tickets cost 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-0945.
SAC Family Music Festival 2010
Through Aug. 22
Every weekend in August, a music festival will bring classical tunes that many, including those new to the genre, might recognize. The music will be accompanied by broadcaster Yoo Jung-a’s comments to help better appreciate Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64,” Beethoven’s “Symphony No.8 in F major, Op. 93,” Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No.4 in F minor, Op. 36,” Dvorak’s “Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104” and more. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
A Filetta
Centennial Hall, Yonsei University Culture and Art Center
Aug. 31
A cappella group A Filetta, meaning “power of life” in Corsica, will perform for the first time in Korea. The seven-member male ensemble has released over 10 albums and was featured in the original soundtrack of the film “Himalaya,” which won the Cesar Awards-Best Film Music at the 2000 Cannes International Film Festival. They will sing 17 heavenly songs without intermission for 70 minutes. Tickets cost 66,000 to 77,000 won. For more information, call (070) 8683-3787. Located near exit 3, 4 and 5 of Sinchon Station, subway line 2.
TIMF’s `Mix & Match’
Hoam Art Hall
Sep. 10
The Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF) Ensemble will deliver songs in a mix and match of electronics, a combination of classical instruments and media devices. ```Advaya’ for Cello Solo and Electro-acoustic in Real Time,’’``Black Angels’ for Amplified String Quartet’’ and more will be staged. Tickets cost 30,000. For more information, call (02) 751-9606. Located near exit 9 of City Hall station subway line number 1 and 2. Or exit 6 of Seodaemun Station, subway line 5.
KBS Symphony Orchestra
Aug. 26-27
Young talented Chinese violinist Chen Xi will appear as soloist with the KBS Symphony Orchestra, which will be led by conductor Elvind Aadland. The program features Tchaikovsky’s ``Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture,’’ Sibelius’ Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47 and Brahms’ Symphony No.4 in E minor, Op.98. Tickets cost 15,000 won 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 781-2241.
Opera ‘La Cenerentola’
Headoji Theater, Ansan Arts Center
Aug. 21-22
Though based on the fairytale “Cinderella,” this Rossini opera is devoid of glass slippers or fairy godmothers. Instead a philosopher helps Cinderella attend the royal ball to meet the prince disguised as a servant. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 40,000 won. For more information, call (080) 481-4000. Located near Gojan Station on subway line 4.
Opera ‘The Magic Flute’
Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
Through Aug. 15
Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” will be staged in its original German language. The Queen of the Night asks Tamino, a young prince, to save her daughter but it turns out that it was the queen herself who is holding the princess captive. Christopher Lee, a rising young artist, will conduct.
Opera ‘Turandot’
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Aug.26
Puccini’s “Turandot” will be staged to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Seoul Arts Center’s Family Opera series, under the baton of conductor Choi Hee-Chuhn and to the mise-en-scene of director Chang Young-a. The beautiful but cold-hearted Princess Turandot is skeptical about love but Prince Calaf risks his life to win her heart. Tickets cost 40,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s ‘Mahler Series I’
The first of the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra’s Mahler Series will bring together Maestro Chung Myung-whun, soprano Lee Myung-joo and mezzo-soprano Petra Lang for the composer’s “Symphony No.2 ‘Resurrection.’” This year marks the 150th anniversary of Mahler’s birth as well as the 100th anniversary of his death, and the serial concerts will continue for 18 months to cover his entire repertoire. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, contact (02) 3700-6300.
Opera ‘Le Nozze Di Gigaro’
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Sep. 1-3
Mozart’s “Le Nozze di Figaro” will be staged to celebrate Seoul Arts Center’s Young Artist Opera Festival. Cast members are rising young talent from Ewha Womans University’s music department. Tickets cost 10,000 to 50,000. For more information, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sac.or.kr/eng.
Chamber Concert ‘Rendez-Vous’
Sep. 4
Three rising young classical music stars _ Korean-German violinist Kim Su-Yoen, double bassist Sung Min-jae and pianist Elizabeth Joy Roe _ will take the stage together. The program includes “Etude Fantasy for Piano” by John Corigliano, “Liebesfreud” by Kreisler, “Partita for Solo Violin No.2 in D minor, BWV 1004” by J.S. Bach and “Four Seasons in Buenos Aires for Trio” by Astor Piazzolla. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 780-5054.
Pansori & Samulnori
Sep. 11
Two icons of traditional Korean music will deliver exhilarating folk tunes: Ahn Sook-sun, dubbed “the prima donna in the world of ‘pansori’ (Korean opera),” will sing to the rhythms of “samulnori” (play of four traditional percussion instruments) under maestro Kim Duk-soo. The program includes “Rabbit Story,” a song that was presented in 2007 at the National Museum of Houston. Tickets cost 10,000 to 40,000 won.
Chang Han-na’s ‘Absolute Classic’
Seongnam Arts Center *
Through Aug.28
Cellist and debutant conductor Chang Han-na is appearing in the 2010 season of “Absolute Classic,” an international music festival for youths. This year, her teacher, Maestro Lorin Maazel, will participate in the event. Tickets cost from 30,000 to 70,000 won. Call (02) 2232-1148 for more information.
Seven Stars Chamber Concert
Aug. 23
One of the most popular seasonal programs, Seven Stars brings together Maestro Chung Myung-whun, who will play the piano along with Kim Sun-wook, as well as cellists Yang Sung-won and Young Song (Song Young-hoon), violinist Kim Su-yoen, violist Kim Yu-ra and double bassist Sung Min-jae. They will play Handel’s “Passacaglia in G minor for Violin and Cello,” Beethoven’s “Piano Trio No.7 in B-flat major, Op. 97 ‘Archduke,’” Schubert’s “Piano Quintet in A major, Op. 114, D.667 ‘Trout.’” Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 518-7343 or visit www.cmikorea.co.kr.
Calligraphy and History
Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Aug. 31
To mark the 100th anniversary of the forced annexation of Korea by Japan, Seoul Arts Center presents a historical exhibition through calligraphy. Tickets cost 2,000 to 5,000 won.
Rodin: Retrospective
Seoul Museum of Art
More than 180 sculptures and watercolor sketches are on show at Korea’s largest ever Auguste Rodin exhibition. Admission is 12,000 won. For more information visit www.rodinseoul.com. Located behind Deoksu 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. Korean captions only. Tickets cost from 6,000 to 10,000 won. Visit pulitzerkorea.com.
White Porcelain Jars: Embracing 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 Kingdom (1392-1910) ceramics through its jars. Such jars as the 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.
Lee Seung-hwan Live Concert
Samsung Hall, Ewha Womans University
“The king of live performances,” Korean rock star Lee Seung-hwan will hold a series of concerts on Thursdays next month featuring tracks from his 10th album. The crowd will be able to feel his energy in the intimate venue as he is set to sing for 120 minutes non-stop. Tickets cost 88,000 on Thursdays and 99,000 on Fridays and weekends. For more information, call 1544-1555. Located near exit 3 of Ewha Womans University Station on subway line 2.
Brand New Concert ‘Burning Day’
Jamsil Indoor Stadium
Aug. 20
K-pop idol bands 2AM, Brown Eyed Girls, Kara, T-ara and Beast will fuel up the summer heat in their joint concert that is appropriately titled “Burning Day.” Tickets cost 66,000 to 88,000 won. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information, call 1588-4695.
Tierney Sutton: Trio Revolution
Baekam Art Hall
Aug. 21
Born in Wisconsin in 1963, Tierney Sutton is a talented jazz vocalist who had been twice nominated for the Grammy’s “Best Jazz Vocal Album.” She will hold a concert in Korea for the first time. The program features widely-known jazz numbers such as “Autumn Leaves,” “Waltz for Debby” and “It’s Only a Paper Moon,” but interpreted in new ways. Tickets cost 33,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6352-6636 or visit www.baekamhall.com. Located near exit 8 of Samseong Station on Line 2.
`The Nutcracker’ by George Balanchine
Through Aug.22
Cool the summer heat with “The Nutcracker,” which is usually a Christmas treat. An original version by George Balanchine will be staged in Korea for the first time featuring one of the best American ballet troupes, the Oregon Ballet Theater. Over 100 dancers and splendid stage sets will create a most fascinating show. Tickets cost 20,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.thenutcracker.co.kr.
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. Take the free shuttle bus at Gangbyeon Station, line 2, or Gwangnaru Station, line 5.
Invisible Journey
Saerasae Digital Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
Aug. 24-25
This international dance exchange project will bring together the traditions of Korea, France, Madagascar and South Africa. A dance group established by Korean and French artists named “Et Aussi Dance” will also perform in the show. Tickets cost 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 743-9227.
Billy Elliot
LG Arts Center*
open run
The musical “Billy Elliot” will be staged in Korea as the first non-English production in Asia. In England during the historic 1984-85 coal miners’ strike, a young boy Billy pursues his dream to become a ballerino in secret. Tickets cost from 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3446-9630.
The Toxic Avenger
KT & G Sang Sang Art Hall
Through Oct. 10
``The Toxic Avenger,’’winner of the Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical at the Outer Critics Circle Awards in 2009, will be staged in Korea for the first time. A man becomes a giant green mutant while trying to save the environment and his beautiful lover from evil forces. Tickets cost 55,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3404-4314. Located near exit 2 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona
M Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Through Aug. 28
Shakespeare’s play “The Two Gentlemen of Verona” is being staged as a musical. The love comedy portrays a conflict between friendship and love as two friends, Valentine and Proteus, fall in love with the same woman. Tickets cost from 40,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.
Jack the Ripper
Seongnam Arts Center*
A reproduction of “Jack the Ripper” is on stage for Korean fans. It is based on a true series of cruel muder cases in London in 1888. Tickets cost 30,000 to 110,000 won. Visit www.jacktheripper.co.kr or call (031) 783-8000 for more information.