Romantic date ideas

Head to theaters for an evening with someone special

By Chung Ah-young, Lee Hyo-won and Kwon Mee-yoo

There’s nothing like sweeping instrumentals and melodramatic vocals to uplift the romantic mood. Couples looking for date ideas can choose among thematic concerts, plays, magic shows and more colorful performances in time for Valentine’s Day.

Classic Valentine’s

On Valentine’s Day eve, Sunday, a special concert that is not only aurally pleasing but also visually delightful will take place at

Seoul Arts Center — think romantic melodies inspired by paintings befitting the occasion such as Klimt’s “The Kiss.”

The first half of the “Arts Concert” will introduce musicians who defined the Romantic period with both their music and famous love affairs: Robert Schumann, his pianist wife Clara and Johannes Brahms, who was also close to Clara; and Frederic Chopin who had a stormy liaison with the feminist writer Georges Sand.

Star cellist Young Song (Song Young-hoon) and Seoul National University piano professor Aviram Reichert will perform Chopin’s Nocturne No. 13 and Brahms’ Cello Sonata No. 1. The concert’s host, art critic Yoon Woon-jong, will compare works by Joseon painter Shin Yoon-bok with France’s Marc Chagall while Debussy’s “Claire de lune” plays in the background.

The second half of the event will feature pop music, musical scores and more classic paintings. R&B group Sweet Sorrow will give musical expression to works by Chagall and Klimt, while guitarist/vocalist Rubin will sing Don McLean’s “Vincent” with van Gogh’s “Starry Night” projected on the backdrop. Musical stars Kim So-hyun and Son Jun-ho will sing numbers from “The Phantom of the Opera” — the original tale was inspired by Paris’ Opera Garnier, which houses a mural by Chagall.

Tickets cost from 30,000 to 80,000 won. Call (02) 2658-3546 for more information.

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Gwanghwamun will also offer a romantic evening with music. The “My Love, My Valentine” concert will feature classical crossover artist Vimutti. He will offer fans arrangements of timeless melodies featuring his original lyrics, such as Chopin’s Nocturne No. 2 and Satie’s “Je te veux.”

He will also sing operatic arias such as “Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore” from Puccini’s “Tosca.” Couples will also have a chance to propose onstage. Prima Ensemble and a group of chamber musicians will join the vocalist.

Tickets cost 30,000 won. Call (02) 581-5404 for more information.

A touch of drama

The popular play “Love Class” presented by Theater Ina might help couples enjoy Valentine’s Day in a more direct way. The play allows the audience to ponder the dynamics between a man and woman through various dramatic situations.

A lecturer gives a class in which two couples are introduced as examples to explain how to develop relationships. The first couple, Jong-ho and Su-min, meet at a university campus. Jong-ho confesses his love to Su-min but she is embarrassed with his abrupt manner and avoids him, eventually quitting school.

Meanwhile, Lina meets Gwang-yong at a club and she aggressively expresses her feelings toward him. Gwang-yong initially feels uncomfortable with her but he gradually opens his heart and falls in love with her.

The play portrays romance through various themes to draw sympathy from the audience. The show presents not only dramatic situations with humor but also tips on how to love and maintain a romantic relationship.

For Valentine’s Day, the theater group will also offer special events for the audience. Audience members can post their photos taken with actors after the show on the troupe’s website and those that receive the most favorable comments can win gifts such as luxurious purses or discount coupons.

Since it was first staged in 2007, the play has been performed more than 1,000 times. “Love Class” will continue running through Feb. 27 at Yesul Madang in Daehangno, central Seoul. The performance will be staged twice on Feb 14. For more information call (02) 747-5811.

Four famed musical actors will join the “Sweet Valentine’s Day Concert” at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on Feb. 14 at The Stage.

Yang Joon-mo, who portrayed the dark but delicate character of the Phantom in the Korean rendition of “The Phantom of the Opera” and Jung Sang-yoon, currently playing the role of Jun at the premiere of “Tears of Heaven,¬ ” will sing popular songs from musicals and other pop songs including “Still with You.”

Two divas — Cha Ji-yeon from “Dreamgirls” and Choi Hyun-joo from “The Phantom of the Opera” — will also sing songs such as “Try to Remember” and “Once Upon a Dream.”

The actors and actresses will share their love stories with the audience.

Tickets cost from 20,000 won to 45,000 won. For more information, call (02) 744-4334.

Rock it up

Rock band BooHwal and underground singer-songwriter Yozoh will play together at the “Rocking and Sweet Concert” on Saturday and Sunday at KEPCO Art Center in southern Seoul.

The concert is part of the BooHwal Collaboration Project “+ [plus],” the 27-year-old band’s project to work together with younger musicians to broaden their musical horizons.

Yozoh is a popular singer in the Korean underground music scene and has released the albums “My Name Is Yozoh” and “Traveler.” She also starred in the 2010 movies “Come Closer” and “Cafe Noir.” The two are poles apart in style, but the concert will be a blend of different music based on understanding each other.

Another joint concert is scheduled in March, with modern rock duo Zitten. Tickets cost from 55,000 won to 77,000 won. Call 070-4036-1986 for detailed information.

Magic of love

A magical St. Valentine’s Day is available at magician Lee Eun-gyeol’s “The Illusion” show from Saturday to Sunday at Oulim Theater in Goyang Oulim Nuri Arts Center, Gyeonggi Province.

Lee’s show is considered one of the most spectacular in Korea, combining magic and entertainment. It will bring musical performances, mimes and even media art to maximize the conjuring effect.

The show will be held at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from 55,000 won to 66,000 won. Call 1566-7754 for more information.