Classical Concerts
Lucerne Festival Strings
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues for more information)
Oct. 25
Lucerne Festival Strings, an esteemed chamber orchestra from Switzerland, will hold its first concert in Korea with pianist Cho Seong-jin and conductor Achim Fiedler. The program features “Malediction for Piano and String Orchestra, S. 121” by Liszt, “Serenade for Strings, Op. 48” by Tchaikovsky and “Four Seasons” by Vivaldi. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-2743.
Matinee Concert
Concert Hall, Seongnam Arts Center*
Nov. 18
Top local orchestras including Ensemble TIMF and KBS Symphony Orchestra will give a matinee concert. They will perform “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Copland, “Adagio for Strings, Op. 11” by Barber, “All I Ask of You” from the musical “The Phantom of the Opera”and more. Popular baritone Kim Dong-gyu will narrate. All seats cost 24,000 won. For more information, call (031) 783-8000.
Opera ‘Mefistofele’
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Oct. 20-23
Korea National Opera will stage A. Boito’s “Mefistofele,” a story based on Goethe’s classic work “Faust,” for the first time in Korea. Fans can look forward to opulent choral parts and operatic jewels under the conduction of Ottavio Marino. Tickets cost 10,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call 02-586-5282.
SAC Saturday Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Oct. 16
Seoul Arts Center will host concerts every Saturday beginning Oct. 16. Kim Dae-jin, music director of the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra, will lead the SAC Festival Orchestra performing Mozart’s “Piano Concerto No. 23 in A major, K. 488” and Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 5 in C minor, Op. 67 ‘Schicksall.’” Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Chang Il-bum’s Classic Cafe VIII
Hoam Art Hall*
Oct. 24
Music critic and radio personality Chang Il-bum will host his eighth concert titled “Moscow Times” featuring Rachmaninov’s “Piano Trios,” Tchaikovsky’s “Autumn Song,” “Nutcracker” and other pieces of Russian music. All seats cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 751-9607~10.
Opera ‘La Boheme’
Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
Oct. 29-31
One of Puccini’s signature works along with “Tosca” and “Madame Butterfly,” “La Boheme” will be staged under the conduction of Kim Duk-gi. The Prime Philharmonic Orchestra will enliven the colorful story about the poor yet passionate lives of artists in 1930s Paris. Tickets cost 10,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call 1577-7766.
Opera ‘Andrea Chenier’
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Through Oct. 17
“Andrea Chenier” composed by Unberto Giordano will be staged to show verismo, operatic movement demonstrating realism. The plot revolves around French poet, Andre Chenier, who falls in love with Countess’ daughter, Maddalena but has to face death during the French Revolution. Music will be played by Seoul Metropolitan Opera under director Lorenzo Fratini. Tickets cost 20,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114~6.
Seoul Metropolitan Chorus
Chamber Hall, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Oct. 26-29
Seoul Metropolitan Chorus will introduce various works ranging from opera arias such as Hendel’s “Lascia Chio Pianga” from “Rinaldo” to songs featured in popular soundtracks such as “Over the Rainbow,” “ I Have a Dream,” and “All by Myself.” Tickets cost 10,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1726.
Schumann’s 200th Anniversary Series II
Aram theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
Nov. 6
Schumann’s prolific musicality can be discerned through his chamber music, and musicians including pianist Emmanuel Strosser and violinist Olivier Charlier will perform in time for his bicentennial. The program includes “Piano Trio No. 1 in D minor, Op. 63” by Schumann and “Piano Trio No. 1 in G minor, Op. 17” by his wife Clara. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call 1577-7766.
Alexander Melnikov’s Piano Recital
Celebrated Russian pianist Alexander Melnikov will give a recital in Seoul. He will deliver timeless classics including Schubert’s “Fantasie in C major, Op. 15 ‘The Wanderer Fantasie,’” J. Brahms’ “Seven Fantasies, Op. 116” and Shostakovich’s “Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87, 1-12.” Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 888-2698 and for English reservations, call (010) 3817-7214.
Big Tickets
Itzhak Parlman Violin Recital
Oct. 26
Violin virtuoso Itzhak Perlman will perform as part of Hyundai Card’s Super Concert Series. The program features Mozart’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano in F major, K. 376,” Beethoven’s “Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 ‘Kreutzer,”’ Schumann’s “Three Fantasy Pieces for Violin and Piano, Op. 73” and more. Tickets cost 80,000 to 200,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Ballet ‘La Bayadere’
Oct. 29- Nov. 5
The Universal Ballet will stage “La Bayadere,” a tragic story of love and revenge set amid the exoticism of India. The ballet continues to be one of the most frequently staged repertoires since its premiere in Saint Petersburg, Russia in 1877, and this particular version will be directed by Ludwig Minkus and feature choreography by Marius Petipa and Vakhtang Chabukiany. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1733.
Radu Lupu Piano Recital
Oct. 31
Romanian maestro pianist Radu Lupu will make his recital debut in Korea. One of the best known interpreters of Beethoven and Schubert, he will play Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57 ‘Appassionata’” and Schubert’s “Piano Sonata in B-flat major, D. 960.” Tickets cost 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-3183.
Yundi Piano Recital
Nov. 1
Yundi, the piano whiz and winner of the 14th Frederic Chopin Piano Competition, will give a recital for the 200th anniversary of Chopin’s birth. He will play nocturnes, mazurkas as well as “Sonata No. 2” and “Polonaise ‘Hero,’ Op. 53.” Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Sarah Brightman With Orchestra
Jamsil Indoor Stadium
Popera diva Sarah Brightman will visit Korea for a two-hour concert featuring her hit songs, including “Nella Fantasia,” “Time to Say Goodbye” and “Phantom of the Opera.” Brightman has had a series of concerts in Seoul, but this is the first time she is holding a classical-style performance with an orchestra. Tickets cost 99,000 to 220,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.
Traditional
Golden Splendors: The Royal Tomb of Silla ‘Hwangnamdaechong’
National Museum of Korea
Through Oct. 31
The National Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition of a large collection of relics recovered from Hwangnamdaechong through Oct. 31. A total of 1,268 pieces, including a golden crown, were among the 58,441 pieces excavated from the tomb. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Subway Station, Line No. 4.
Road of Writing Brush, Road of History
Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Oct. 24
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.
Where Time and Light Remain
Path to History in the Permanent Exhibition Hall, National Museum of Korea
Photographs of the UNESCO appointed World Heritage Sites in Korea taken by seven photographers will be featured. The sites include Jongmyo Shrine, the Changdeokgung Palace Complex, Hwaseong Fortress, and the Royal Tombs of the Joseon period. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr or call (02) 2077-9000. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Subway Station, Line No. 4.
Masterpieces of Goryeo Buddhist Painting — A Long Lost Look after 700 Years
Through Nov. 21
The National Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition “Masterpieces of Goryeo Buddhist Painting — A Long Lost Look after 700 Years” through Nov. 21. This exhibition, the largest of its kind, provides a rare opportunity to see all the beauty and splendor of a total of 108 Goryeo Buddhist paintings from all over the world at one venue. Admission is 1,000 won for ages 7 to 18, 2,000 won for ages 19 to 25, and 3,000 won for ages 26 to 64. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Subway Station, Line No. 4.
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.
Pop & Jazz
‘Real Slow is Back’ Wheesung Concert
Main Auditorium, Yonsei Culture and Art Center
Oct. 16-17
K-pop star Wheesung is back with his single album “Real Slow is Back” and will present a performance showcasing his powerful voice and popular music that ranges from ballads and R&B to rock and dance. Tickets cost 77,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, call 1588-4992. Located near exit 3 and 4 of Sinchon Station on subway line 2.
2010 Seoul International A Cappella Festival
Guro Arts Valley, Seoul Arts Center*, Youngsan Art Center
Oct. 30- Nov. 8
Top a cappella groups will visit Korea including The Idea of North, Foolmoon, Niniwe, Ensemble Planeta, Metro, Micappella and more. The festival also features a contest to find new a cappella musicians in and out of Korea, and past winners will give special performances. Tickets cost from 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 766-7085 or visit www.k-acs.com.
Dance
Ballet ‘Giselle’
Nov. 9-10
To celebrate the G20 Seoul Summit 2010 as well as the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Russia and Korea, the world famous “Russia Mariinsky Ballet” will perform “Giselle,” premiered more than 160 years ago in Paris and still beloved by ballet fans around the world. Tickets cost 30,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call 1577-7766.
Demain
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Oct. 18-19
As part of “The 10th Seoul Performing Arts Festival,” the latest piece by the world-renowned choreographer Michele Noiret will be unveiled. Demain will demonstrate mysterious images through various dance moves that will capture the eyes of audience. Tickets cost 30,000 to 40,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3673-2561 or visit www.spaf.or.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.
Billy Elliot
LG Arts Center*
The musical “Billy Elliot” is on stage 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.
42nd Street
Charlotte Theater
The Korean version of the Broadway musical comedy “42nd Street” is in theaters again after a smash hit performance last year. The cast features top talent including veteran actor Park Sang-won, musical star Park Hae-mi and singer Choi Sung-hee. The stage will be filled with rhythmical jazz melodies and energetic tap dance. Tickets cost 30,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8. For more information, call 1644-0078.
Without You
SangSang Art Hall
Oct. 16-31
Broadway musical star Anthony Rapp, best known for his role in the musical “Rent,” will perform a new mono musical “Without You” based on his best-selling memoir. The show details his turbulent life while experiencing two life-changing events — the sudden death of Jonathan Larson, writer and composer of “Rent,” and the illness and death of his mother. Tickets cost from 44,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1681. Located near exit 2 of Samseong Station on subway line 2.
The Sorrows of Young Werther
Universal Art Center
Oct. 22-Nov. 30
First produced 10 years ago by a Korean team, and based on the time-honored classic novel by Goethe, the musical “The Sorrows of Young Werther” will return to the stage with a cast featuring renowned actors Park Geon-hyeong and Song Chang-ui. The musical will be staged from Oct. 22 to Nov. 30 at the Universal Art Center. For more information, visit www.werther.co.kr. Located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5.
Romeo & Juliet
Seoul Namsan Gugakdang, Namsan Hanok Village
The famous Shakespeare play will be staged featuring a special Korean touch. Under the direction of Oh Tae-sok, the Mokhwa Repertory Company, a group focusing on traditional language, sound and dance, will perform the classical play in a unique style. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. English subtitles available. For more information, visit www.sngad.or.kr. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro Station on subway lines 3 and 4.
Thrill Me
The Stage
Through Nov. 4
The musical, which premiered in New York in 2003, revolves around a cruel 1924 murder case in Chicago. The intricate complexities of the human condition are expressed solely through a densely written script and atmospheric piano music. Tickets cost 35,000 to 50,000. For more information, call (02) 744-4011 or visit www.thrillme.co.kr. Located near exit 3 of Sinchon Station on subway line 2.