Romantic Concert
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts* (See ‘Venues’ on the right for more information)
Dec. 4
Maestro Geum Nan-sae is set to conduct the Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, performing “La Boheme” by Puccini and “Symphony No. 5 in E minor Op. 64” by Tchaikovsky. He will be on stage to offer an explanation of the pieces.
Soprano Seo Hwal-ran and tenor Eom Seong-hwa will also take part in the performance. Tickets cost 5,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1789.
Ensemble Berlin Live in Seoul
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 30
Virtuoso ensemble “Ensemble Berlin,” consisting of members from the Berliner Philharmoniker, is set to hold its first national tour starting in Seoul Nov. 30, followed by Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center in Jinju Dec. 1 and Geoje Art Center in Geoje Dec. 4.
The ensemble includes violinists Philipp Bohnen, Hwang Sun-young, Martin von der Nahmer, cellist Clemens Weigel, contrabassist Ulrich Wolff, oboist Christoph Hartmann, and bassoonist Mor Biron. Hwang will take part in this tour as the second violinist.
Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. Call (02) 3461-0976.
Stefan Pi Jackiw Recital
Nov. 26
After debuting in Korea in 2009 and releasing his first recorded album of Brahms’ violin sonatas, violinist Stefan Pi Jackiw is to hold his second recital with four composer of the 20th century.
He has had a series of engagements with the Chicago Symphony, Toronto Symphony and Rochester Philharmonic. Starting in Busan Nov. 25, the violinist is going on a national tour, followed by Seoul Nov. 26 and Daejeon Nov. 27.
The masterpieces of Stravinsky, Copland, Lutoslawski and Richard Strauss will be performed. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 741-1521.
The Little Singers from Paris Christmas Concert
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Seoul Art Center*
Dec. 9, 20
The Little Singers of Paris (Les Petits Chanteurs a La Croix de Bois), founded in 1906 and best known as boy sopranos with perfect harmony, will hold a local tour.
The chorus covers a wide range of genres from classical music to pop songs. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 597-9870.
Chang Han-Na Cello Recital
Dec. 8
World-renowned Korean cellist Chang Han-na will go on stage with her pianist and recital partner Finghin Collins, performing pieces of Rachmaninov and Piazzolla. Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 741-1763~5.
Young Virtuoso Concert Series
Olympus Hall
Nov. 27, Dec. 22
Three rising Korean artists will appear in Olympus Korea’s series of classical concerts to support young artists.
The three are pianist Ben Kim, flutist Park Jee-eun and violinist Kang Ju-mi. Yamaha artist Park will be on stage with the Matador Guitar Quartet with the performance “BACH-HAUS” Nov. 27. In December, violinist Kang Ju-mi is scheduled to hold a recital. Tickets cost 44,000 to 55,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 6255-3270.
Boni Pueri’s Christmas Concert
Dec. 3
Boni Pueri, the Czech Boys Choir established in 1982, has held more than 2,500 concerts throughout the world and is well-known for singing with world-famous Spanish tenor Jose Carreras and Grammy Award winner Bobby McFerrin.
This European musical ensemble is set to perform for its Korean fans during the Christmas Season a wide range of pieces in its repertoire from traditional Korean songs to Christmas carols. Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 548-4480.
New Year’s Eve Concert ‘Propose 2012’
Dec. 31
“Propose 2012,” a New Year’s Eve concert held annually at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, is expected to provide a rare opportunity to enjoy a wide range of genres from classical music to opera, jazz and musicals performed by renowned musicians — soprano Shin Young-ok, popera singer Kai with the Grand Opera Choir and the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra.
Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1147.
Seoul Electronic Music Festival — SEMF 2012
KINTEX (Ilsan)
Jan. 14
The organizers of this indoor festival, first held last year, have revealed the line-up for the second event, scheduled to be held on Jan. 14, 2012.
Crystal Castles, best known as an electro-funk duo who composed the soundtrack for the British teen drama ,” Above & Beyond, IDIOTAPE, Telepathy, Mongoose, ASTRO VOIZE, KINGmck and Bagagee Viphex13 will hit the stage.
Tickets cost 121,000 won. Located near exits 1 and 2 of Daehwa Station on subway line 3. For more information, call 070-4010-7845.
Kim Bum-soo & Lee So-ra 2011 Live Concert
Jamsil Gymnasium
Dec. 23-25
Two famous ballad singers Kim Bum-soo and Lee So-ra, who became well-known by appearing on the popular television show “I Am a Singer” this year, are set to hold a national concert tour during the Christmas season.
The duo starts in Daegu (Daegu Indoor Gymnasium) on Dec. 17 followed by Seoul from Dec. 23 to 25 and Busan (BEXCO) on Dec. 31. Tickets cost 66,000 to 132,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information, call 1566-5490.
Park Jung-hyun & Sung Si-kyung ’Love Concerto’
Dec. 29-31
Ballad singers Sung Si-kyung and Park Jung-hyun, will go on a joint concert tour throughout December, starting in Busan on Dec. 4 (BEXCO) and on to Seoul at the end of the year. Tickets cost 88,000 to 132,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 540-4550
Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life
Yongsan War Memorial (Museum)
Through end of December
Since its first opening in 1995, this exhibition has been held throughout the world in over 60 cities and has drawn over 30 million visitors.
With the “Plastination” technique which is a biologically-advanced way to preserve bodies invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, this exhibition will display the body preserved in a perfect state.
The exhibition was designed to make audiences rethink the meaning of life, death and health. Tickets cost 15,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Samgakji Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 541-6236.
Paintings of Rabindranath Tagore — The Last Harvest
National Museum of Korea
Through Nov. 27
Commemorating “The Year of the Korea-India Friendship,” the museum exhibits 49 paintings by Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) and his related books.
Tagore, best known through his poem “A Light of the East,” is the first Asian who received the Nobel Prize in literature in 1913 with his poetry series titled “Gitanjali.”
Though many people remember him only as a poet, this exhibition is designed to break this stereotype and show a wide range of his achievements in novel, theater, music, dance and painting.
Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9496.
Ancient Writings and Thereafter
The museum will feature about 400 artifacts related to ancient Asian writings and letter. For this exhibition, “A Rubbed Copy of the Inscription on King Gwanggaeto’s Monument” will be displayed for the first time.
Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9461.
The King‘s Singers
British a cappella vocal ensemble “The King’s Singers” will offer a program prepared especially for the Christmas season.
Covering a wide range of genres from classical pieces to pop songs, this ensemble has been achieving international fame and captivating audiences with a series of concert tours throughout the world. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-3183.
Deli Spice — Goodbye Sorrow, 2011
AX-KOREA
Dec. 17
As a first generation independent music band, Deli Spice has been loved by so many fans ever since debuting with lyrical music in 1997 and captivating audiences with touching melodies.
Making a comeback from a long break with its new album titled “Open Your Eyes,” this band successfully finished its showcase celebrating the album’s release last September and is now set to hold a performance in December. Audiences are expected to enjoy the warm and romantic mood that the band will present at the end of the year.
Tickets cost 77,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 3445-9650.
Ronn Branton Group ’Jazz Christmas’
Dec. 24-25
Pianist Ronn Branton has invited Brazilian percussionist Valtinho Anastacio to present exciting rhythms and grooves. Branton’s partner saxophonist Klae will also be on stage. Tickets cost 44,000 to 55,000 won. For more information, call (02) 888-2698.
200-Pound Beauty
Chungmu Art Hall
Dec. 6 to Feb. 5
The Korean musical “200-Pound Beauty,” based on the 2007 movie of the same name, will open on Dec. 6 at the Grand Theater of Chungmu Art Hall in central Seoul.
The musical premiered in 2008 and now returns with a revamped music score and set. Actor-turned-director Lim Chul-hyung will direct the show that tells the story of an overweight backup singer whose life totally changes after a makeover through plastic surgery.
Tickets cost 50,000 to 99,000 won. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 3485-8700.
Evita
LG Arts Center*
Dec. 9 to Jan. 29
With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, “Evita” comes to Korea for a second time at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul from Dec. 9 to Jan. 29, 2012.
The musical portrays the dramatic life of Eva Peron, the second wife of Argentinean President Juan Peron. Evita was a woman an illegitimate child who rose to become the nation’s first lady.
Musical divas Jeong Seon-a and Lisa Chung will share the role of Evita. Tickets cost 30,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.
Mamma Mia!
D-Cube Arts Center
Through Feb. 26
Broadway hit musical “Mamma Mia!,” based on the songs of ABBA, is currently on stage as a Korean production.
“Mamma Mia!” premiered in Korea in 2004 and has held more than 800 local performances, attracting more than a million viewers. Tickets cost 40,000 to 110,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Sindorim Station on subway line 1 or 2. For more information, call (02) 2211-3000.
Cats
Charlotte Theater
Through Dec. 31
Based on T. S. Eliot’s poems, the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber portrays the feline world in an affectionate way.
This year’s production cast three divas, singer Insooni, actresses Park Hae-mi and Hong Ji-min, as Grizabella the former Glamour Cat. Tickets cost 50,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway line 2 or 8. For more information, call 1577-3363.
Hamlet
Universal Art Center in Seoul
Through Dec. 17
Janek Ledecky, one of the most popular musicians in the Czech Republic, is better known as composer and writer of the rock opera “Hamlet.”
The classic tale of revenge by William Shakespeare was reinterpreted through Ledecky’s composition. It is Ledecky’s third visit to Korea.
He first came in 2007 when “Hamlet” premiered here and spent about a month in Korea in 2008, working with another local production of the musical. Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 6391-6333.
Annie
Dec. 15-29
After premiering in 1977 on Broadway, “Annie” debuted in Korea in 2006. Presented by Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theatre, the musical “Annie” tells the story of an orphaned girl, who desperately waits for her parents with half of a heart-shaped locket. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.
The Nutcracker
Dec. 16-25
The Korean National Ballet Company will offer one of the season’s best-known children’s tales “The Nutcracker.” Under the guidance of artistic director Choi Tae-ji, the piece choreographed by Yury Grigorovich will be accompanied by the Korean Symphony Orchestra. Tickets cost 5,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
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 Dongguk University.
Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114.