The Sonata Series of the Beethoven Association of Korea — Heroic Beethoven
Seoul Arts Center* (See ‘Venues’ on the right for more information)
Aug. 29
To celebrate the 5th anniversary of its establishment, the association has been promoting Beethoven’s 32 piano sonatas with 32 pianists, and has divided the performance into six sections. Its 4th performance is this August with “Sonata No.3 in C Major, Op.2-3” and “Sonata No.7 in D Major, Op.10 -3” planned. Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3436-5929.
The Greatest Composer and Friends
Opera House, Seongnam Arts Center*
Aug. 16
Targeting young people, this concert aims to introduce the works of the classical composers in an easy and entertaining way. As the permanent conductor, Suh Hee-tai will lead the program with the Millennium Symphony Orchestra for over two hours, performing the works of the greatest composers such as Mozart, Haydn, Liszt, Saint-Saens, Schubert and Beethoven. The conductor has become popular as a judge on the TV program show “Opera Star,” and the orchestra has earned a reputation since appearing on the TV drama “Beethoven Virus.” Tickets cost 15,000 to 35,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6292-9370.
‘B-vocal’ A Cappella Group Special Invitational Concert
Seoul Art Center*
Aug. 25
Spanish a cappella quintet B-vocal will hit the stage after they won New York’s Harmony Sweepstakes Competition in 2010 and played encore performances on Broadway. Since its foundation in 1997, this group has tried to establish its own unique world of music, recreating the sounds of drums, guitars, brass and rhythm with its own voices. For this performance in Korea, the group is planning to newly arrange world-famous pop songs such as ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” the Bee Gees’ “Staying Alive” and Elvis Presley’s “Hound Dog.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 597-9870.
Seven Stars
Seoul Arts Center*
Sept. 9
The concert “Seven Stars” will give the audience an opportunity to explore the world of classical music by renowned Korean musicians. Under the baton of maestro Chung Myung-whun, cellist Yang Sung-won and four young soloists — pianist Son Yeol-eum, violinist & violist Lee Yu-ra, violinist Shin Ara, cellist Young Song (Song Young-hoon) — will present the harmony of live chamber music. Guitarist-composer Lee Byung-woo will also participate in this ensemble performance. “Guitar Trios No.1 in A Major Op. 18-1, 4” by de Fossa and “Piano Trio No.1 in B flat Major, D. 898” by Schubert will be played. Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 518-7343.
Summer Classics
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Aug. 12-13
For the summer vacation, the Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra is preparing an educational performance targeting youths in order to help students easily access the world of classical music and give a lesson in etiquette required in a concert hall. The orchestra will play “Arirang” and “Peter and the Wolf” by Prokofiev with interesting narration. Tickets cost 5,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1790 or (02) 399-1114.
X Japan Live in Seoul
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Oct. 28
Japanese heavy metal band X-Japan will hold a concert in Korea on Oct. 28. X-Japan has been much loved since its debut in 1985 with “I Will Kill You” and has created sensational trends as an Asian pioneer of “visual rock.” The band reunited in 2007 after its breakup in 1997. Advance ticket sales will begin in August. For more information, call (02) 548-0597~8.
Seoul Arts Center Young Artist Opera Festival ‘The Elixir of Love’
Aug. 22-24
Seoul Arts Center has been holding an annual opera festival featuring young artists. This year, Chu Gye University for the Arts will stage “The Elixir of Love” by Donizetti. The opera tells the love story of a rural boy who buys an elixir of love from a drug hawker in order to win the heart of a beautiful woman. Tickets cost 10,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
KT Gallery Open Stage V ’Hello, India!’
Hanbit Media Park
Aug. 6
The Korea Foundation and Indian Council for Cultural Relationships will present special performances and lectures by Mallika Sarabai in order to introduce Indian culture to Korean audiences. Sarabai is a world-famous Indian choreographer known for works that push conventional boundaries and is also a social activist speaking out for women’s rights. The special lectures are scheduled for Aug. 2 and 3. Admission is free. Located near exit 4 of Euljiro-Ipgu Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 2151-6513 or 6520.
Daniel Barenboim & WEDO Beethoven Symphony Cycle
Aug. 10, 11, 12 and 14
Maestro Daniel Barenboim will lead the West Eastern Divan Orchestra for a special four-part series of concerts featuring the full Beethoven symphony cycle. The master pianist-turned-conductor will showcase all nine symphonies by the German composer. Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 318-4301.
2011 Kim Yeon-woo Live Tour
Woori Art Hall, Olympic Park*
Through Aug. 27
Ballad singer Kim Yeon-woo will kick off a concert tour in Seoul (June 24 to 26) before moving on to Daejeon, Busan, Suwon, Daegu and Seongnam. After his debut 16 years ago, he has been loved by many fans as well as fellow singers who recognize him as an exceptional vocalist. Tickets cost 77,000 to 99,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 556-5910.
Linkin Park
Sept. 8
American rock band Linkin Park will visit Korea for the third time after sellout concerts in 2003 and 2007. The upcoming performance will feature works from the group’s fourth album “A Thousand Suns,” which was released in 2010. The Grammy Award-winning, six-member band also celebrates the 15th year since its debut. Tickets cost 99,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488.
2011 Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival
Incheon Dream Park
Through Aug. 7
World-renowned rockers from The Ting Tings to Korn will visit Korea to celebrate the 6th anniversary of the local rock festival, which started in 2006 in Incheon. Festival-goers will have a chance to meet Korea’s top rock bands such as Boohwal, who have been performing since 1986, and No Brain, known for their rough and provocative sounds. Tickets cost 88,000 to 165,000 won. Located near Geoman Station on the Airport Railroad (Incheon International Airport bound). For more information, call (032) 400-2114.
Princely Treasures: European Masterpieces 1600-1800 from the Victoria and Albert Museum
National Museum of Korea
Through Aug. 28
The exhibition allows visitors to appreciate the collection of luxurious treasures enjoyed by the ruling class of Europe during the 17th and 18th centuries. The collection is from the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, which is renowned for holding world-class decorative Baroque and Rococo artworks. A total of 101 pieces were carefully selected for the exhibition and were mostly made by top-class artisans of the time at the request of powerful and wealthy nobles. For more information, call (02) 2077-9271. The museum is located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
The Return of the Oegyujanggak Uigwe from France
Through Sept. 18
The National Museum of Korea will host a special exhibition celebrating the return of ancient royal books that were plundered by the French army in 1866. The event is aimed at bringing the public’s attention to the historical value of the books from the Oegyujanggak Archive from the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910). Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9686.
Yi Sung-yol ’Why We Fail’
Mary Hall, Sogang Univ.
Aug. 25-Sept. 24
Celebrating the release of his third album, singer songwriter Yi Sung-yol will perform at the Mary Hall of Sogang University for a month. For this concert, he made all the videos first-hand and played a role in directing, from the visual effects to stage settings. Since his debut in 1997 as a member of the modern rock band U&ME Blue, Yi has become well-known by singing original soundtracks for several Korean films and dramas. His first solo album ranked 86th among the 100 best albums in Korean pop music history. Tickets cost 55,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Dae-heung Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 511-0380.
Play with Us Concert
Through Aug. 6
Following enthusiastic support from audiences last year, pianist Kim Kwang-min, guitarist-composer Lee Byung-woo and singer-songwriter Yoon Sang will come together onstage. The three artists are determined to “play” with concertgoers onstage, offering diverse songs regardless of genre from classical music to K-pop. Pop singer IU and Ha Rim will star as special guests. Tickets cost 60,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3485-8700.
JK Kim Dong-wook
Chungmu Art Hall
Aug. 19-20
R&B singer JK Kim Dong-wook will kick off his nationwide tour in Seoul. The singer, known for his distinctive masculine voice, has become renowned through talent shows including MBC’s “I Am a Singer” and tvN’s “Opera Star.” He hopes to reach out to the audience with just his vocal skills by singing songs in a quiet setting without visual embellishments. Located near exit 9 of Sindang station on subway line 6. Tickets cost 77,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2230-6601.
Mid-time Fantasy Dance Performance
The National Theater of Korea
Through Dec. 13
The National Theater of Korea is offering a weekly noon program introducing traditional dance performances every Tuesday. Eight different performances featured by the National Theater Company will be staged along with detailed explanations for audiences. Tickets cost 5,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Dong-guk Univ. Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114.
Ballet ‘The Nutcracker’
The Oregon Ballet Theater, which gave sellout performances of “The Nutcracker” in Seoul last year, will return. The American company will restage the original version of the piece by George Balanchine. The legendary choreographer is credited with turning the ballet into a staple Christmas Day extravaganza, which focuses on the beauty of bodily expression and scenic sets and props. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call 070-7814-7330.
Spring Awakening
Doosan Art Center
Through Sept. 4
“Spring Awakening,” a Broadway musical which was first put on stage in 2006 and took eight prizes at the 61st Tony Awards the following year, is remade again. The musical deals with the conflict between youths fascinated with sexual anxiety and adults sticking to an authoritative mindset. Tickets cost 30,000 to 60,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (02) 744-4334 or (02) 708-5001~3.
Hedwig
KT&G SangSang Art Hall
Through Aug. 21
The rock musical is about a failed transgender rock singer from East Germany. The main cast features musical actors Choi Jae-woong and Jo Jung-seok as well as K-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 of Samseong Station on subway line 2. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Moby Dick
Doosan Art Center Space 111
Through Aug. 20
This musical promotes itself as an “actor-musician musical,” which means that all of the actors are in charge of acting, singing and even playing musical instruments. Based on Herman Melville’s “Moby Dick,” the musical sets the sailor Ishmael as the main observer of the story instead of Ahab, who was the main character in the book. Tickets cost 40,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on subway line 1. For more information, call (02) 708-5001.