El Sistema II
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center* (See ‘Venues’ on right for more information)
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 Arts 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
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.
2011 SAC Orchestra Festival
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
April 1-20
“The Orchestra Festival,” an annual event, which started in 1989, will be held again in April. For 22 years this festival has produced many professional orchestras and become Korea’s representative classical festival. This year 18 orchestras will present various works beginning with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Chung Myung-whun. Tickets cost 10,000 to 30,000 won. Call (02) 580-1300 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.
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
Kumho Art Hall
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. Tickets 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.
John Legend Concert
AX-Hall
April 19-20
As part of the Hyundai Card Culture Project, American R&B singer John Legend will hold a concert in Korea for the second time. Legend has won nine Grammy Awards and is loved by music fans around the world as a singer-songwriter and music collaborator with artists such as Pink, Herbie Hancock and Kayne West. Tickets cost 110,000 won. Located near exit 2 at Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. Call (02) 3141-3488 for more information.
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.
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.
Tea, Incense, and Carrying the Soul: Longquan Ware from the Sinan Wreck
Through June 19
The exhibition showcases the time-honored beauty of Longquan wares recovered from the Sinan shipwreck from March 22 to June 19 at the Sinan Shipwreck Collection Room in the Asia Gallery. It features approximately 90 pieces of Longquan wares, including 20 that have never been shown to the public. The museum focuses on not only its rare collection of Chinese artifacts but also various offshoot cultures. For more information, call (02) 2077-9271. The museum is located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
Venice Glass Fantasia
Through 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, are on display. Visitors can 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. Tickets cost 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
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.
Beady Eye Live in Seoul
May 15
Former members of Oasis have formed Beady Eye and are returning to Korea. As the No.1 Brit-pop band in England, Oasis produced many anthems such as “Live Forever,” “Wonderwall” and “Don’t Look Back in Anger.” Their active rhythms with rock ‘n’ roll and pop melodies influenced many other bands at the time. Beady Eye will present songs from their first album such as “Different Gear, Still Speeding.” Tickets cost 99,000 won. Located near exit 2 at Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. Call 1544-1555 for more information.
MGMT Live In Seoul: Feeling Concert Vol. 4
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.
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.
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.
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.
Latin Innovation
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
April 20
“Latin Innovation” is produced and performed by Professional Latin Final List’s Korean champion Park Ji-woo with top Korean ballerina Kim Ji-young. The concept of the show focuses on presenting beats, rhythm, connection, melody and feeling and combines many dance genres including sports dance, modern dance, ballet, and Korean traditional dance. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. Call (02) 579-1402 for more information.
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 this 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 Arts 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.
Jekyll & Hyde
Charlotte Theater
Based on the novella “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson, the musical “Jekyll & Hyde” is on stage until May. The Broadway musical is a proven quality show with the casting of musical star Cho Seung-woo. Tickets cost 50,000 to 130,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway line 2. For more information call 1644-0078.
Gwanghwamun Younga (Love Song)
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for Performing Arts*
Through 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.
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Art-one Theater
Through April 17
The play is about human relationships revolving around two men — a transgender window dresser and a Marxist revolutiary. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 2 at Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. Call 1544-1555 for more information.