Prades Casals Festival in Korea
Seoul Arts Center*
March 1
The renowned Pablo Casals Festival marks its 60th anniversary this year. Participants to this music festival will perform at Seoul Arts Center on March 1. Michel Lethiec, the most famous musician in the Pablo Casals Festival in Prades will be in Korea this year. Cellist Arto Noras, violist Gerard Poulet and Hartmut Rohde, Korean musicians violinist Baek Ju-young, Kim So-ock, cellist Song Young and pianist Park Jong-hwa will also join the concert. Tickets cost 11,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call 1544-5142.
Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Feb. 21-22
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO) will perform on Feb. 21-22 under the baton of conductor Chung Myung-whun at Seoul Arts Center. The Korean maestro will be leading a program of Kodaly’s “Dances of Galanta,” Mendelssohn’s violin concerto and “Concerto for Orchestra” by Bartok. This will be followed by another concert on Feb. 22 with a program of the Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3 with London-based pianist Kim Sun-wook and the Brahms Symphony No. 2. The Concertgebouw resides in one of the best classical music halls in the world. Tickets cost 70,000 to 400,000 won. Call 1577-5266.
Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra & Thomaner Choir
Feb. 23
The Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra and Thomaner Choir will visit Korea for the third time to perform Bach’s “St. Matthew’s Passion.” The choir members are composed of students aged 8 to 18 and the choir is over 800 years old. The orchestra will be conducted by Georg Christoph Biller. Tickets cost 30,000 to 180,000 won. For information, call (02) 599-5743.
London Symphony Orchestra
Feb. 27-28
Britain’s top orchestra will visit Korea for the first time in six years with its music director Valery Gergiev from Russia. The London Symphony is one of the world’s top orchestras with an in-house recording label. Under the LSOLive, the orchestra has produced many award-winning recordings. The concert will feature American violinist Sarah Chang and Russian pianist Denis Matsuev as soloists. Tickets cost 70,000 to 350,000 won. For more information, please call (02) 599-5743.
Maestro Lorin Maazel & Philharmonia Orchestra
April 7-8
The Philharmonia Orchestra and conductor Lorin Maazel will revisit Korea for the second time. Based in London, the Philharmonia Orchestra has collaborated with numerous artists for over 60 years. Maestro Maazel will perform Gustav Mahler’s symphonies No. 1 and 5. The concert will be held at Seoul Arts Center from Apr. 7 to 8. Tickets cost 70,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, please call (02) 541-3183.
A Magic Flute
LG Arts Center*
March 15-17
Directed by Peter Brook, “The Magic Flute” will be performed at LG Arts Center. Maestro Peter Brook reinterpreted his own version of opera “The Magic Flute.” He added new music pieces such as “Die Alte K 517” to the original score. Singers from Slovakia, Spain, Australia, and France will entertain the Korean audience. The lyrics are in German, dialogue in French, and Korean subtitles are offered. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.
Bobby McFerrin Live In Seoul
Olympic Park*
March 8
A virtuoso American vocalist and conductor, Bobby McFerrin is best known for his song “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” Created in 1988, this song became a worldwide hit. Bobby McFerrin’s unique voice technique and music style ranges from pop music to classics. He has collaborated with many instrumental performers such as cellist Yo-Yo Ma. McFerrin won 10 Grammy Awards from 1985 to 1992. Tickets cost 88,000 to 132,000 won. For more information, please call (02) 563-0595.
Il Divo Concert
Jamsil Stadium
March 3
The world-famous popera group that sold over 2.5 million albums will tour Korea. The four members, Davild Miller, Sebastien Izambard, Carlos Marin, and Urs Buhler, are from the United States, France, Spain and Switzerland, respectively. Tickets cost 99,000 to 220,000 won. Located near exit 6 or 7 of Jamsil Integrated Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For information, please call (02) 407-2589.
Jammo Jammo Concert
Yoondang Art Hall
Feb. 26
Comedian Jeon Yoo-sung directs this concert in which the audience are encouraged to clap and laugh throughout the show. Concertgoers will also be able to participate in a waltz. The program includes the gospel classic “Oh Happy Day” and a medley of animated film scores. Tickets cost 25,000 to 30,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Apgujeong Station on subway line 3. For more information, please call (02) 797-7608.
Japanese Buddhist Art from the Lake Biwa District-Aspiring for Rebirth in the Buddhist Paradise
National Museum of Korea
Through Feb. 19
A unique Japanese Buddhism exhibition is under way at the National Museum of Korea. Biwa in Sigha City in Japan became the central place for Buddhist culture during the Heian period (794-1185). Buddhism was introduced into Japan from Korea and flourished. Sponsored by the Japanese Agency for Cultural Affairs, the exhibition shows 94 Buddhist artifacts including national treasures. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. Admission is Free. For more information, please call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.gokr.
‘Have an Auspicious Dream in the Year of the Dragon’
National Folk Museum of Korea
Through Feb. 27
A special exhibition celebrates the “Year of the Dragon” in the Oriental zodiac. The National Folk Museum of Korea presents relics related to the mythical creature, which was believed to have special abilities and power and has also been a symbol of kings in Korea. Admission is free. Located near exit 1 of Anguk Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 3704-3114.
Myeong-dong Narratives
Seoul Museum of History
Through March 31
Lee Bong-gu was a newspaper reporter from the 1950s to 60s who wrote a book of experience and remembrance with artists and musicians at that time. This exhibition highlights Meyong-dong’s past and present based on Lee Bong-gu’s experience. Myeong-dong has been a Mecca of Korea’s modern cultural venues. In the past, there were numerous exhibitions and performances going there. This location was also the scene of a democratic movement. Now, Myeong-dong has turned into a fare of fashion and sightseeing for foreigners. Admission is free. Located near exit 7 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. For more information, please call (02) 724-0114 or visit www.museum.seoul.go.kr.
Tutankhamen: His Tomb and His Treasures
Gwacheon National Science Museum
Through Feb. 26
A great chance to see ancient remains from Egypt has arrived. Excavated by English archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter, King Tut’s mummy will be on display in Korea. Over 1,300 relics have been restored. Visitors can see Tutankhamen’s tomb and many treasures. Tickets cost 12,000 won. Closed on Mondays. Located near exit 5 of Seoul Grand Park Station on subway line 4. For more information, please call (02) 3677-1435.
Discovering Dinosaurs Expo in Seoul
Yongsan War Memorial
Through March 4
“Discovering Dinosaurs Expo in Seoul” shows dinosaurs who used to live on the Korean Peninsula during the Cretaceous period. Visitors can trace the lives of dinosaurs through fossils and their skeletons. This exhibition also offers opportunities to watch life-sized models of dinosaurs and participate in an imaginary excavation. Tickets cost 12,000 to 14,000 won. Located near exits 1, 11, or 12 of Samgakji Station on subway line 4. For information, call 1688-5779.
LMFAO Live in Seoul
April 7
LMFAO is widely known for shuffle dance all around the world. Particularly, LMFAO’s music “Party Rock Anthem” became sensational dance music. LMFAO will visit Korea for the first time this year at Olympic Park on Apr. 7. LMFAO was nominated at 52nd Annual Grammy Awards in best dance and electronic album. LMFAO also developed new music genre called “Party Rock.” Tickets cost 88,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
Band Music Festa: Blooming Spring Days
Gangdong Arts Center
March 3-18
“Band Music Festa: Blooming Spring Days” comes with a total of twelve Korean bands and musicians from March 3 to 18 at Gangdong Arts Center. Featured bands are The KOXX, Monni, WindyCity, Daybreak, The Moonshiners, Soran and The Finn. Only 250 seats are available for each performance. Tickets cost 20,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Godeok Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 440-0500.
Laura Fygi Live In Seoul
Feb. 29
Popular U.S. jazz vocalist Laura Fygi is a renowned musician in Europe and Asia. Fygi’s popular songs “I Love You for Sentimental Reasons,” “Let There Be Love,” and “Dream a Little Dream” have been used as OST and CF background music. A jazz and classic instrumental group “Jazzpark Bigband” will collaborate with Fygi at Gangdong Arts Center on Feb. 29. Tickets cost 20,000 to 60,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Godeok Station on subway line 5. For information, please call (02) 440-0500.
Halie Loren Jazz Quartet Concert
Womenhall Yongin City
Feb. 25
American jazz singer Halie Loren is a popular recording artist in the United States, Japan, and Europe. Halie Loren’s concert will be held at Womenhall in Yongin City on Feb. 25. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Jukjeon Station on the Bundang line. For information, call (031) 324-8994~5.
This is Modern 3
Universal Arts Center
Feb. 18-19
The Universal Ballet Company (UBC) presents a collection of modern ballet masterpieces at the Universal Arts Center from Feb. 18 to 19. Founded in 1984, UBC has been performing diverse works. The performance “This is Modern 3” aims to advertise ballet. It is set to be staged in Japan and Taiwan this year. Tickets cost 10,000 to 70,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Achasan Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (070) 7124-1740.
Jeong Yeon-hee’s ’Our Dance’
Theater Sungkyun
Through March 28
Dancer-choreographer Jeong Yeon-hee will introduce various traditional Korean dances at Theater Sunkyun until Mar. 28. Tickets cost 6,800 to 20,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Haehwa Station on subway line 4. For more infomation, call (02) 747-5035.
Giselle
March 1-4
Korea National Ballet (KNB) presents “Giselle” to celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2012 at Seoul Arts Center. Choreographed by Patrice Bart, “Giselle” will show French-style ballet. The story begins in a village where Giselle falls in love with Albrecht, a prince of Silesia. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For information, call (02) 587-6181.
Anthony Rapp ‘Without You’
KT&G Sang Sang Art Hall
The musical “Without You” involves the story of musical actor Anthony Rapp who starred in “Rent” as well as the back stage story of it. On the day before the first performance of “Rent,” director Jonathan Larson died of a heart attack. Although the musical “Rent” becomes a hit, Anthony Rapp suffers from gender identity issues and his mother’s death. Tickets cost 44,000 to 66,000 won. No performance on Mondays. Located near exit 2 of Samsung Station on subway line 2. For information, call 1544-1681.
Elisabeth
Blue Square
Through May 13
Viennese musical “Elisabeth” will be presented at the Blue Square. With music by Sylvester Levay and plot and lyrics by Michael Kunze, the story revolves around famous Austrian Empress Elisabeth Sissi. The empress will be played by musical actress Kim Sun-yong and singer-turned-actress Ock Joo-hyun. Tickets cost 30,000 to 150,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hangangjin Station on subway line 6. For information, call (02) 6391-6333.
Return to Hamlet
Dongsoong Art Center
Through April 8
Directed by Korea’s popular movie director Jang Jin, the play “Return to Hamlet” being staged at Dongsoong Art Center through Apr. 8. The play is not Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Director Jang created a comical story of actors who are about to play “Hamlet.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Haehwa Station on subway line 4. For information, call (02) 766-6007.
Caffeine
Culture Space NU
Produced by CJ E&M, the musical “Caffeine” is on stage again after the first two productions in 2010. The musical portrays Ji-min and Se-jin’s romance resulting from a practical joke between workers at Ji-min’s café. This musical is directed by Seong Jae-joon and four actors will alternate in the roles of Ji-min and Se-jin. Tickets cost 40,000 to 50,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Haehwa Station on subway line 4. For more information, call 1577-3363.