Pianist Paul Lewis Recital
Seongnam Arts Center* (See ‘Venues’ on right for more information)
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
2011 SAC Orchestra Festival
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Through April 20
The Orchestra Festival, an annual event that began in 1989 and has since become one of the country’s foremost classical festivals. This year 18 orchestras presents various works all throughout April, beginning with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Maestro 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.
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.
Kumho Musical Instrument Series
Kumho Art Hall
Through April 28 (every Thursday)
Up-and-coming young violinist Song Ji-won graces 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.
Opera ‘Simon Boccanegra’
Seoul Arts Center*
Through April 10
The Korea National Opera will collaborate with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra for “Simon Boccanegra.” Maestro Chung Myung-Whun, who made his opera conducting debut with the Verdi piece for the New York Met, will conduct, while top Italian artists present a fantastic mise-en-scene. Baritone Go Sung-hyeon will play the lead role in the story about humanistic and artistic ideals. Tickets cost 10,000 to 150,000 won. For more information call (02) 586-5282.
Angela Gheorghiu Concert in Korea
April 27
Superstar soprano Angela Gheorghiu will hold a recital with tenor Marius Brenciu. She will perform arias including “O Soave Fanciulla” from Puccini’s “La Boheme” and “Un Bel Divedremo” from Madame Butterfly, among others. Music will be played by the Korean Symphony Orchestra conducted by Ion Marin. Tickets cost 70,000 to 220,000 won. For more information call (02) 541-2512.
Maroon 5 Concert
Seoul Olympic Gymnastic Stadium and Busan KBS Hall
May 25, 26
A pop band with an international following including many Korean fans, Maroon 5 will hold concerts in both Seoul and Busan. The band will present tracks from its third studio album “Hands All Over” in the performance, which is the 14th of Hyundai Card’s Super Concert series. Tickets cost 77,000 to 121,000 won. Seoul Olympic Gymnastic Stadium is located near exit 3 at Olympic Park Station on subway line 5 and Busan KBS Hall is located near exit 2 at Nam-cheon Station on subway line 2 in Busan. For more information call (02) 501-7888.
Insooni’s ‘Fantasia’
May 7-8
Pop diva Insooni, loved by teens to senior citizens, will perform tracks from her 17th album “Fantasia.” The concert, titled “Fantasy Room,” will showcase the power vocalist’s knack for dance and drama, transforming the acts into something of a glitzy Broadway performance. Tickets cost 44,000 to 165,000 won. For more information call 1600-1716.
Varekai, Cirque du Soleil
Big Top Theater, Jamsil Stadium
Open run
The 5th series of Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai”is 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.
Tea, Incense, and Carrying the Soul: Longquan Ware from the Sinan Wreck
National Museum of Korea
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 ware, 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.
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.
Avril Lavigne’s ‘The Black Star Tour’
May 5
Singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne will hold a concert in Seoul, which follows the recent release of her fourth album “Goodbye Lullaby” on March 8. Loved for hit numbers such as “Sk8er Boi,” “Complicated” and “I’m With You,” Lavigne is expected to showcase powerful vocals. Tickets cost 99,000 won. Located near exit 2 at Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. For more information call (02) 512-6706.
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.
Mr. Big Concert
May 8
Mr. Big will tour Seoul to promote its latest album “What If.” Much of the album theme is about going back to basics with analogue-style music and features the original band members — guitarist Paul Gilbert, bassist Billy Sheehan, drummer Pat Torpey and vocalist Eric Martin. Tickets cost 110,000 won. Located near exit 2 at Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. For more information call (02) 3141-3488.
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.
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.
Hedwig
KT&G SangSang Art Hall
May 14-Aug 21
The rock musical “Hedwig” will hit the stage. The story is about a failed transgender rock singer from East Germany and the main cast features musical actors Choi Jae-woong and Jo Jung-seok as well as pop group Shinhwa’s Kim Dong-wan and screen star Kim Jae-wook. Tickets cost 50,000 to 65,000 won. Located near exit 2 at Samsung Station on subway line 2. For more information call 1544-1555.
My Mom
Through April 17
The film “My Mom,” directed by Yoo Sung-yeop, is 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*
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. Tickets cost 30,000 to 130,000 won. For more information call 1544-1555.
Kiss of the Spider Woman
Art-one Theater
The play is about human relationships revolving around two men — a transgender window dresser and a Marxist revolutionary. 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.