SAC Saturday Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues for more information)
Nov. 20
Seoul Arts Center (SAC) will hold its second Saturday concert under the direction of pianist-turned-conductor Kim Dae-jin. Violinist Lee Kyung-sun will perform with the SAC Festival Orchestra for Mozart’s “Violin Concerto in G major, K 216.” The program also features Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K 550.” Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Young Song Cello Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Dec. 5
Popular young cellist Young Song (Song Young-hoon) brings his most ambitious project, a recital tour showcasing hallmarks in the cello repertoire including “Elegie in C minor, Op. 24” by Faure, “Cello Sonata Nos. 1 and 2” by Brahms and “Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14” by Rachmaninov. Pianist Aviram Reichert will accompany the artist. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2658-3546.
Kim Sun-wook Piano Recital
Nov. 27
Piano prodigy Kim Sun-wook, winner of the 2006 Leeds International Pianoforte Competition, will hold a recital. The program includes Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 3 in E major, Op. 109,” “Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27-2” and Schumann’s “Arabesque in C major, Op. 18.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.
Fair Trade Gala Concert
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Nov. 22
Maestro Chung Myung-whun and emerging young artists will hold a concert to promote fair trade coffee. Chung will appear as pianist while his son Min will take the baton, and popular cellist Young Song (Song Young-hoon) and violinist Kim Soo-vin will also join the event. The Busan Boystown Aloysius Orchestra and Miracle of Music, a non-profit ensemble the maestro founded, will accompany the artists. Tickets cost 25,000 to 125,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-4145.
Opera ‘Lulu’
Opera Theater, Seoul Art Center*
Nov. 25-28
The National Opera of Korea will give the local premiere of the controversial modern opera by Alan Berg, under the direction of conductor Frank Cramer and director Kristina Wuss. Soprano Park Eun-ju will play Lulu and portray the murderous femme fatale. Tickets cost 10,000 to 150,000 won. For more, call (02)580-1300.
Cleveland Orchestra Concert
Nov. 21
One of the Big Five Orchestras in America, the Cleveland Orchestra will hold a concert in Korea after a 32-year absence. The program will be divided into two parts, and the orchestra will play Debussy’s “Prelude to Afternoon of a Faun,” Mozart’s “Divertimento in D major, K. 136” and Bruckner’s “Symphony No.7 ” under the baton of conductor Franz Welser-Most. Tickets cost 70,000 to 280,000 won. For more information, call (02)580-1300.
Richard Claydeman Live Concert
Aram Concert Hall, Goyang Aram nuri Arts Complex *
Dec. 4
Richard Claydeman, a popular pianist who creates new styles through harmonizing classical music and pop, will give a concert. The program includes two parts and he will play more than 30 masterpieces. Claydeman will give six other concerts across Korea through Dec. 10, including at the Lotte Art Hall, Busan. Tickets cost 40,000 to 120,000 won. For more, call 1577-7766 or 1688-2026.
Lang Lang Piano Recital
Chinese superstar Lang Lang, known for his performances on many international stages such as the opening of the 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games, will give a recital for fans in Korea. He will play Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No.3 in C major, Op. 2” and “Piano Sonata No. 23 in F minor, Op. 57,” Albeniz’s “Iberia Book 1” and Prokofiev’s “Piano Sonata No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 83.” Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Sting ‘Symphonicity’
Olympic Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park*
Jan. 11, 2011
The 13th Hyundai Card Super Concert series will feature legendary singer Sting, who recently released a new album, “Symphonicities.” The concert will be part of his world tour and he will sing hit songs including “Shape of My Heart.” The Korean Symphony Orchestra will provide a classical touch befitting the concept of Sting’s new album. Tickets cost 77,000 to 230,000 won. For more, call (02)410-4114.
Tenor Jose Carreras Recital
Nov. 19
Jose Carreras, who is one of the world’s Big Three Tenors alongside Placido Domingo and the late Luciano Pavarotti, will give a recital for local fans. David Gimenez will conduct the Korean Symphony. Tickets cost 50,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
JYJ Worldwide Concert in Seoul
Jamsil Olympic Stadium
Nov. 27-28
JYJ, comprised of previous members of hit K-pop group TVXQ, Je-jung, Yu-cheon and Jun-su, will hold a concert. The show, titled “The Beginning,” is directed by Jeri Slaughter who was behind the making of showcases for world pop stars such as Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and more. Tickets cost 55,000 to 154,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.
Pearl of World Art, East Asia
Hangaram Art Museum 2F, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Dec. 5
Under the theme of “multi-culture,” Asian artists from near and far will present contemporary art pieces. Unique works by “nomad” artists from the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia will give the exhibition a different flavor. Tickets cost 1,000 to 2,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
The Painting and Calligraphy of Yi In-sang
Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, National Museum of Korea
In commemoration of the 300th anniversary of one of the most respected painters of the late Joseon Kingdom, Yi In-sang, National Museum of Korea presents 16 pieces of his works including one of his best works “Winter Pine.” The exhibition will well display values important in Confucian culture such loyalty and a literary spirit. The museum is located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
Masterpieces of Goryeo Buddhist Painting
National Museum of Korea
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 collected from all over the world at one venue. Admission is 1,000 won for ages seven to 18, 2,000 won for ages 19 to 25, and 3,000 won for ages 26 to 64. The museum is located near exit 2 of Ichon Subway Station, Line No. 4.
Listen to the Earth
Jeju Suseonjae Seon Museum
Open run
Life Museum of Suseonjae Seon’s culture experience center presents seven small things to do for saving the Earth and how human beings can harmonize with nature, through different kinds of artworks. There are three main exhibition rooms, “Human,” “Nature,” and “Sky.” Visitors will be able to experience the themes of death and “gi” meditation, among others. The museum is located a 20-minute walking distance from Mt.Sanbang near Jeju Olle Route 10 on Jeju island. Admission is free of charge. For more, call (064)732-7310, or visit www.suseonjae.org
Special Exhibition of Versailles Palace
Hangaram Art Museum 1F, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Mar. 6, 2011
Supported by the French National Versailles Palace, this exhibition is designed to show the authentic relics that belonged to the French royal family, Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Admission is 6,000 to 8,000 won for children; 8,000 to 10,000 won for students; and 11,000 to 13,000 won for adults. For more, call 02-325-1077~8 or visit www.versailles2010.co.kr
Red Rain’s ‘The Greatest’
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 20-21
Red Rain will give a concert at Seoul Arts Center, becoming the first female pop singer to grace the prestigious stage. The artist, who is known for featuring in popular TV drama soundtracks, will sing her hits and famous oldies from the 1970s as well as more recent works with a jazzy twist. Popera tenor Im Tae-kyung will appear as a special guest. Tickets cost from 60,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call 580-1300.
Lee Seung-gi Live Concert
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Popular K-pop star and actor Lee Seung-gi will hold a concert titled “Hope.” Special performances as well as the appearance of high-profile guests are expected to add more fun and energy to the show. Tickets cost 55,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555.
Park Jin-young’s ‘Bad Party’
Gymnastic stadium, Olympic Park*
Dec. 23-24
Park Jin-young, also known as JYP and the producer of pop groups such as Wonder Girls and 2PM, is returning as a singer for a hot and sexy winter concert. Park will dazzle the crowd with his sexy moves and famous tunes in what is expected to be a unique performance. Admission is restricted to those aged 19 and over. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 132,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Taylor Swift
Feb. 11, 2011
Pop princess Taylor Swift will be coming to Korea for the first time. The 20-year-old singer may be cute and pretty, but when it comes to music, she has seen it all from American Music Awards, Grammies and the Billboard Music Awards. Grace yourselves with something sweet, funky, cute and sexy with Swift at her first local show. Tickets cost from 88,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Ballet ‘The Nutcracker’
Universal Arts Center
Dec. 22-31
The Universal Ballet will stage the classic Christmastime treat “The Nutcracker.” Based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet features delicate dance moves to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music. Tickets cost 10,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call 070-7124-1740. Near exit 4 of Achasan Station subway line 5.
Korea Grand Prize for Dance Finalists
Hanpac Arko Art Theater
Through Nov 29
Arko Arts Theater of Hankook Performing Arts Center (HANPAC) presents dance projects contending for the Korea Grand Prize for Dance. Dancers of various ages, in their 20s to 60s, will showcase the diversity and traditional characters of Korean dance. After the performance by the finalists, an award ceremony will be held at Walkerhill W Hotel on Nov. 30. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. For more information, call (02)744-8066 or visit www.hanpac.or.kr
Contemporary dance ‘Madame Freedom’
Nov. 24-25
In 1950s Korea, “freedom” was a popular word when the nation underwent rapid modernization following its liberation from colonial Japan. The Arzid Modern Dance Company contemplates the real meaning of freedom in contemporary society through various dance moves. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02)580-1300.
Contemporary dance ‘Dusty Blue’
LIG Art Hall
Through Nov. 20
The Kim Seon-yi Project Group will stage “Dusty Blue,” the second of the “Island” series, supported by Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. Inspired by a giant heap of trash in the middle of the North Pacific, the dance performance will transmit strong messages for modern man through different approaches. All seats cost 20,000 won. For more, call (02)2263-4680. Located near exit 8 of Gangnam Station, subway line 2.
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 local talent including veteran actor Park Sang-won, musical star Park Hae-mi and singer Choi Sung-hee. Tickets cost 30,000 to 120,000 won. The theater is located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8. For more information, call 1644-0078.
Kyungsook, Kyungsook’s Father
Jayu Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 20-Dec. 5
The Seoul Arts Center Masterwork Series will present “Kyungsook, Kyungsook’s Father,” a piece that was chosen among the year’s best three plays by the International Association of Theater Critics-Korea. Set in 1950s Korea, it tells a heartwarming story of a poor family. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
The Sorrows of Young Werther
Universal Art Center
Through 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” returns to the stage. The upcoming rendition features a cast of renowned actors including Park Geon-hyeong and Song Chang-ui. Located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5. Visit www.werther.co.kr.
Annie
Dec. 16-28
After premiering in 1977 on Broadway, “Annie” debuted in Korea in 2006. The Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theater brings back the story of the optimistic little orphan girl who never gives up on finding her parents despite hardships. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1772.