Korea National Opera’s ‘Faust’
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center* (See ‘Venues’ on right for more information)
Through March 20
Under the direction of artistic director Lee So-young, the Korea National Opera presents Charles Gounod’s “Faust” with the Korean Symphony Orchestra. Tenor Kim Woo-kyung, the first Korean to become part of the New York Metropolitan Opera Association, appears in the title role. Tickets cost 30,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-5282.
El Sistema II
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
March 27
The Caracas Youth Orchestra from Venezuela will hold a concert under the direction of conductor Christian Vasquez. El Sistema is a musical education program that has inspired thousands of children around the world, and the concert will feature Saint Saens’“Symphony No. 3” and Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 10.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won.
Pianist Paul Lewis Recital
Seongnam Art Center*
April 23
British pianist Paul Lewis will hold his Korean debut recital. As a renowned specialist of Franz Schubert, he will perform the composer’s “Piano Sonata No. 15 in C major, D. 840” and “Piano Sonata No. 17 in D major, D. 850.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (031)783-8000
Beautiful Thursday Concert
Kumho Art Hall
March 24
Two pioneers of classical music in Korea, violinist Kim Min and pianist Lee Dae-wook, will hold a series of duet performances. The depth of their performance is expected to reflect their veteran musicianship. The program includes Beethoven’s 10-part violin sonata cycle, including “Sonata No. 5 in F major, Op. 24” and “Sonata No. 9 in A major, Op. 47.” Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won for adult and 8,000 won for student. Call (02) 6303-7700 for more information.
Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF)
Tongyeong
March 26-April 1
The 10th Tongyeong International Music Festival will open under its new artistic director Alexander Liebreich. Under the theme “Moving Dimension,” the event will feature opening stages by the Salzburg Mozarteum Orchestra as well as 16 solo and accompanied performances and symposiums with foreign artists-in-residence. Tickets cost 20,000 to 100,000 won. Call (02) 3474-8315 for more information.
Hilary Hahn & English Chamber Orchestra
April 12
Violinist Hilary Hahn, a two-time Grammy Award-winning soloist celebrated for her probing interpretations, technical assurance and compelling stage presence, will hold a concert with the world class English Chamber Orchestra. The program features Haydn’s No. 44 in E minor, ‘Mourning’” and Mozart’s “Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major, K. 219, ‘Turkish,’” among others. Tickets cost 40,000 to 160,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.
Metropolitan Opera’s ‘Das Rheingold’
Hoam Art Hall
March 18-20
Playwright Robert Lepage directs Wagner’s great epic dramas in “Das Rheingold,” and local fans can enjoy the opera straight from the New York Metropolitan Opera though “The Met: Live in HD” series. Lepage’s production team offers high-resolution digital screening and stereophonic sound as well as Korean subtitles. Also featured is a backstage tour and interviews with artists during the intermission. For more information call (02) 751-9607.
Met Opera Brunch
Walkerhill Theatre, Sheraton Grande Walkerhill
Through March 29
Enjoy quality productions by the Metropolitan Opera onscreen over a delicious brunch. Meet Franco Zeffirelli’s operatic works every Tuesday throughout March as well as pieces by Bartlett Sher’s on March 13 and 20. Tickets cost 60,000 won per person, tax included. For more information call (02) 450-4880.
Kumho Musical Instrument Series
March 31-April 28 (every Thursday)
Up-and-coming young violinist Song Ji-won will grace the stage first in the Kumho Musical Instrument Series. All five featured artists are beneficiaries of the Kumho Musical Instrument Bank, which the Kumho Asiana Cultural Foundation launched in 1993. The program lends high-quality antique instruments to talented players that are selected through auditions. Ticket cost 8,000 (with student ID) to 30,000 won. Located near exit 7 at Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. For more information call (02) 6303-7700.
Ne-Yo Live Concert
Olympic Gymnastic, Olympic Park*
March 30
Hyundai Department Store will invite the Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, composer and producer Ne-Yo for its 40th anniversary. After taking a few years off to work on several films, he will be back with his fourth project, titled “Libra Scale,” a stellar effort that is sure to race up the charts and catapult the R&B superstar to even greater heights. Tickets cost 60,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Opera ‘Tosca’
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
April 21-24
The Seoul Metropolitan Opera will stage Puccini’s melodramatic opera. Mark Gibson, who has performed with the New York City Opera, will conduct the Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets cost 20,000 to 120,000 won. For more information call (02) 399-1783.
Varekai, Cirque du Soleil
Big Top Theater, Jamsil Stadium
April 6-open run
The 5th series of Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai” will be performed with more vivid stage effects, music and stories of Icarus from Greek mythology. This exotic fusion of drama and acrobatics consist of 14 circus shows that go beyond our expectations. Tickets cost 60,000 to 220,000 won. Located near exit 5 and 6 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information call (02) 541-6235.
Sumi Jo & Academy of Ancient Music
May 7
Star soprano Sumi Jo will offer the hallmarks of baroque music with Britain’s period music ensemble the Academy Of Ancient Music, under the direction of conductor Richard Egarr. The program features Handel’s “Concerto Grosso, Op. 3, No. 2” and “Sonata A5” among others. Tickets cost 50,000 to 250,000 won. Call (02) 741-1763 or 1577-5266 for more information.
Musical ‘Tears of Heaven’
Haeorum Theater, National Theater of Korea
Through March 19
The new musical “Tears of Heaven” is now on stage after three years of preparation. About a love powerful enough to alter destinies and transcend the limits of time, the production features Kim Jun-su of JYJ and Broadway star Brad Little. Tickets cost 30,000 to 130,000 won. Located near exit 6 of Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 501-7888 for more information.
Silk Road and Dunhuang
National Museum of Korea
Through April 3
The National Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition “Silk Road and Dunhuang.” This exhibition offers the rare chance to see over 200 relics from the Silk Road region and the “Diary of a Journey to the Five Countries of India” which was written by Hyecho, a Buddhist monk of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 936). For more information, call (02) 2077-9271. The museum is located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
Venice Glass Fantasia
March 22 -May 29
The exhibition is among events featured in the Sejong Center’s Creative Visual Art Festival. Works by world-famous Italian glassmakers from Murano Island, Venice, will be on display. Visitors will also be able admire contemporary works by Pino Signorett as well as traditional ones by artists of the Schiavon family. Italian glass art is different from that of northern Europe, since it features blowing techniques rather than carvings. Ticket costs 4,000 to 8,000 won. For more information call (02) 2289-5401.
Azure Ray Concert
Ewha 100th Memorial Hall
March 26
Azure Ray, an American dream-pop duo comprised of Maria Taylor and Orenda Fink, is known through soundtracks of hit TV dramas and films such as “Grey’s Anatomy,” “The Devil Wears Prada” and “Shortbus.” The pair will hold its first concert in Korea as part of an Asian tour. Tickets cost 55,000 won. Call (02) 3142-2951 for more information.
Seoul Jazz Festival 2011
Sejong Center*
May 10-11
A special jazz concert invites fans of the genre to witness the fantastic collaboration between guitarist Pat Metheny and friends — Gary Burton on vibraphone, Steve Swallow playing bass, and Antonio Sanchez on drums. Tickets cost 66,000 to 165,000 won. For more information call (02) 563-0595.
MGMT Live In Seoul: Feeling Concert Vol. 4
Ax-Hall
April 1
American rock band MGMT will hold its first concert in Seoul. Blending the eclectic sounds of psychedelic pop and alternative rock to create a fresh new sound all of their own, this barnstorming pair of shape-shifting sonic wizards is at the very forefront of the new wave of musical legends, lavishly praised with only two albums. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. Tickets cost 99,000 won. For more information call (02) 323-2838.
Far East Movement Live In Seoul
Vista Hall, Sheraton Grande Walkerhill
March 19
Far East Movement, an icon on the international music scene, will hold a live concert in Seoul. This Asian American electro-hop group has featured on various soundtracks for video games, films and TV shows such as “Gossip Girl.” Tickets cost 88,000 won. For more information call (02) 323-2838.
Eric Benet Concert
Eric Benet, a multiple-Grammy Award nominee in urban soul, will hold a live concert in Seoul. Having recently released his fifth album, “Lost in Time,” he will deliver his feel-good music live. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. Tickets cost 99,000 won. Call (02) 563-0595 for more information.
Slash Live Concert
March 20
Slash, the former lead guitarist of Guns N’ Roses, will hold his first concert in Korea. Slash will play haunting guitar melodies from his solo album “Slash.” Myles Kennedy from rock band Alter will join him onstage to provide vocals. Tickets cost 99,000 won. Call (02) 3141-3488 for more information.
Prince Hodong
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
April 22-24
The Korea National Ballet Company will stage the dramatic story of “Prince Hodong.” Based on an ancient Korean legend, the ballet traces the star-crossed romance between Princess Nak-rang and Prince Hodong of warring kingdoms. Featuring original choreography by Kook Su-ho and Moon Byung-nam, the piece is loved for its combination of modern techniques and timeless themes. Tickets cost 5,000 to 80,000 won. Call (02) 587-6181 for more information.
Smile of the Sky
LG Arts Center*
Kim Myung Sook Nulhi Dance Company’s latest piece seeks the origin of dance methods established by the dance troupe over the past 15 years. It explores the oneness between self and the universe. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Call (02) 2005-0114 or (02) 3277-2590 for more information.
Don Quixote
March 25-28
The Universal Ballet Company will stage the classic comedy “Don Quixote.” Featuring the bullfighter’s dance and flamenco, this Spanish ballet will present exotic characters and colorful movements to heighten the adventure. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. Call (02) 580-1300.
The Count of Monte Cristo
Grand Theater, Chungmu Art Hall
Through April 24
Frank Wildhorn’s musical “The Count of Monte Cristo” returns to the stage with a star-studded cast. Celebrated musical stars Ryu Jung-han, Shin Sung-rok and Um Ki-joon perform in the Korean rendition. Tickets cost 50,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 9, 10 of Shindang Station on subway lines 2 and 6. For more information call (02) 6391-6333.
My Mom
Seoul Art Center*
March 25-April 17
The film “My Mom,” directed by Yoo Sung-yeop, will be revived as a stage play. The story is of a woman’s unconditional love and dedication to her daughter. After her mother dies, the daughter regretfully realizes the value of their time spent together. Tickets cost 44,000-66,000 won. For more information call 1600-1716.
Gwanghwamun Younga (Love Song)
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts*
March 20-April 10
The masterpiece composed by the late composer Lee Young-hoon who wrote “Gwanghwamun Sonata” is a brilliant creation brought by Korea’s best creative team including Yoon Do-hyun and 24 top actors. The heart-aching love story between three lovers reverberates in Lee’s jewel-like hits. Tickets cost 30,000 to 130,000 won. For more information call 1544-1555.
Yakiniku Dragon
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
This Korea-Japan collaboration is set in a restaurant in Japan and tells the story of a Korean family living there, presenting various issues defining the present, past and future of the two countries’ close yet complicated relationship. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information call (02) 580- 1300.