Young Song Cello Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues on left for more information)
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.
Bolshoi Opera Theater Gala Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Art Center*
Dec. 16
Soloists of the Bolshoi Opera Theater will hold a gala concert in Korea to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Korea-Russia relations. Under the direction of conductor Mikhail Granovsky, soprano Anna Aglatova, mezzo-soprano Svetlana Shilova, tenor Oleg Kulko and baritone Andrei Grigoriev will sing arias from “Rigoletto,” “Carmen,” “La Traviata” and “The Queen of Spades” among others. Tickets cost 30,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2650-7481~2.
Opera ‘Love Letter’
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts*
Through Dec. 4
“Love Letter,” an original homegrown opera commissioned by Seoul City, is on stage. The piece tells of a charmed affair between two lovers bound by a love letter, which reunites them over three reincarnations, from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) to the colonial era (1910-45) and finally modern-day Seoul. Tickets cost 10,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114~6.
Little Singers of Paris Wooden Cross
Aram Concert Hall, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
Dec. 10
The Little Singers of the Paris Wooden Cross will tour Korea for the 18th time after a two-year absence. The boys’ choir will sing various pieces from traditional church music to world folk songs, such as “White Christmas.” Eight other concerts will be held across Korea through Dec 22, starting with Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 8. Tickets cost 33,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (02)597-9870.
2010 SAC Saturday Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Dec. 18
Seoul Arts Center (SAC) will hold its third Saturday Concert under the direction of Kim Dae-jin. Clarinetist Jerry Chae will perform with the SAC Festival Orchestra, Mozart’s “Clarinet Concerto in A major K.622,” and Dvorak’s “Symphony No. 9 E minor Op.95, The New World.” Tickets cost 15,000 to 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Lang Lang Piano Recital
Dec. 4
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.
Eric Clapton Live Concert
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Feb. 20, 2011
Pop star Eric Clapton will give his third concert tour in Korea, which comes after a four-year hiatus. He will perform his major hits and numbers from his latest album “Clapton,” which includes a lineup of various styles ranging from R&B to country music. Tickets cost 60,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 (Korean and English).
Conserving Historic Urban Form: Seoul, Bejing and Tokyo
Special Exhibition Hall, Seoul Museum of History
Through Dec. 5
Korea, China and Japan have recently been making efforts to preserve the historical aspects of their respective capital cities. The exhibition will depict the transformations that Seoul, Beijing and Tokyo have undergone and recent attempts to preserve their urban landscapes through various models and paintings. Admission fee is free. The museum is located at exit 4 of Seodaemun Station, subway line 5
Pearl of World Art, East Asia
Hangaram Art Museum 2F, Seoul Arts Center*
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 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.
Path Toward: The Cultural Unity of the Peoples of Eurasia
National Folk Museum of Korea
Through March 14, 2011
The National Folk Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition in commemoration of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Korea and Russia. Visitors are invited to explore the eclecticism of Russia’s multicultural society, from Mongolian Buddhist relics to a recreation of a late 19th-century Islamic market and even a life-size Kazakhstani “yurt” (wooden dwelling). Admission is free. Located within Gyeongbok Palace, near Gyeongbok Palace Station, exit 5, on subway line 3. Visit www.nfm.go.kr (Korean and English) for more information.
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
Lee Moon-se
Dec. 10-12
Popular singer Lee Moon-se will offer what will be the largest concert of his career. Additional performances were added to the behest of fans who couldn’t secure tickets. The audience will also be able to enjoy a special opening “Moon-se Town.” Tickets cost from 66,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 410-4114.
Shin Seung-hun Live Concert
Hall D, COEX
Dec. 23-25
K-pop balladeer Shin Seung-hun will hold a concert celebrating his 20th anniversary as a singer titled “My Way.” This is a part of world tour that includes 11 cities in Korea, five in Japan and three in North America. The program features his hit songs, such as “ I Believe,” and “Love of IRIS.” Tickets cost 66,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555. Located near exit 5, 6 of Samsung Station, subway line 2.
Park Jin-young
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 steamy 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.
Mary J Blige
Grand Peace Palace, Kyung Hee University
Jan. 16, 2011
R&B singer Mary J. Blige will hold a concert in Korea for the first time as part of her world tour. Fans can look forward to a parade of her hit songs including “Family Affair,” “Be Without You” and “I Am.” Tickets cost from 66,000 to 165,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Hoegi Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (02) 3775-1588.
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 the 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.
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.
Waiting People 2
Seoul Open Theater Changdong (SOTC)
Jan. 7-8, 2011
Dance Theater Chang and SOTC will present a contemporary dance performance “Waiting People 2,” choreographed by Kim Nam-jin, the first ever Korean member of the National Modern Dance Company in France. Based on the motif of division and unification of the Korean Peninsula, Kim Nam-jin will deliver messages through graceful body movements in a rather forward and realistic way. Located near exit 1 of Changdong Station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2263-4680.
On the Move — Hip Hop Meets Modern Dance
Great Theater, Arko Art Theater
Dec. 29-30
Arko Art Theater will hold a unique series of dance performances titled “On the Move — Hip Hop meets Modern Dance,” under the direction of modern dancer Ahn Ae-soon. As suggested by the title, it is a wild, cross-genre mixture of hip hop and contemporary dance. Tickets cost 20,000 won for adults and 10,000 won for students. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. Call (02) 3668-0007.
Now, Movement
Sejong M Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts*
Dec. 9-10
Three female choreographers of the Seoul Metropolitan Dance Theatre will gather for an unconventional experimental project. Veteran dancers Yoon Mi-ra, Nam Soo-jung and Choi Hyo-sun will showcase their work, “Hwa Chub-Gong Muh Doh Hwa,” “Seoul March” and ,” respectively, that share the theme “Now, Movement.” Tickets cost 20,000 won to 30,000. For more information, call (02) 399-1766.
Hero
Haeorum Theater, National Theater of Korea
Dec. 4-Jan. 15, 2011
The story of Korea’s celebrated independence activist Ahn Jung-geun will be staged as a big-budget production with special effects galore. The historical drama will focus on his patriotism and imagined romance. Tickets cost 40,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2250-5900. Shuttle bus is available near exit 2, 6 of Dongguk University Station on subway line 3.
Coronation Ball
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Dec. 24-Jan. 17, 2011
A new version of the musical will premiere in Korea, featuring local talent. Directed by the staff of “Notre Dame de Paris,” the production features songs from the French musical “Starmania.” Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2203-0848~9.
Kyungsook, Kyungsook’s Father
Jayu Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
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, but not without a dash of comedy. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Annie
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Dec. 16-28
After premiering in 1977 on Broadway, the hit musical made its debut in Korea in 2006. The Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theater will bring 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.