Around Town 1: Classical Concerts, Museums, Big Tickets, Pop & Jazz, Plays & Musicals and Dance
Classical Concerts
Phillip Herreweghe with the Orchestre des Champs-Elysees
LG Arts Center*
June 1-2
Belgian conductor Phillip Herreweghe and his orchestra company will perform in Korea for the first time in seven years. While Herreweghe is best known for his interpretation of Bach, he will be performing Mozart’s work thi s time, including Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” in C Major and “Requiem” in D Minor with the Orchestre des Champs-Elysees. Soprano Im Sun-hae will also perform. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.
Seoul Spring Festival of Chamber Music 2013
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, Seoul Arts Center,
Through May 26
The 8th annual music festival will feature 50 acclaimed artists from both classical and traditional Korean music circles. Musicians will perform in each of the 13 days under 13 different themes. Garnering most attention is the Tokyo String Quartet’s performance scheduled for May 23 at the Seoul Arts Center. The quartet is planning to retire at the end of this year and this will be one of the last opportunities for their fans to enjoy their music. For more information, call (02) 712-4879 or visit www.seoulspring.org.
Lim Hyun-jeong
Seoul Arts Center*
May 23
Lim Hyun-jeong, who left a stunning impression by performing Beethoven’s entire piano sonatas in Paris in 2010, will play in front of Korean fans next month. The France-based 26-year-old is also known for her recorded collection of Beethoven piano sonatas, released for EMI Classics, which reached first place in the Billboard Classical Overall Chart. She will play Maurice Ravel’s “Les Valses nobles et sentimentales, Op. 51,” Chopin’s four Ballades and Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 29, Op. 106 (best known as Hammerklavier).” Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-3184 or visit www.sac.or.kr.
Big Tickets
Jason Mraz
Subsidiary Stadium, Jamsil Sports Complex
May 17
Since his 2002 debut album, “Waiting for My Rocket to Come,” Mraz has garnered immense popularity. His 2008 album, “We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things,” sold 140,000 copies in Korea, a surprising number in a market dictated by online downloads. This will be his sixth visit to Korea. He will be performing some of his biggest hits including “I Won’t Give Up,” “Geek in the Pink” and “I’m Yours.” Located near exit 6 and 7 of Sports Complex Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 110,000 to 132,000 won. For more information, call (02) 332-3277 or visit www.interpark.com.
Cho Yong-pil
Olympic Gymnastic Arena, Olympic Park
May 31-June 2
Singer Cho Yong-pil will perform in southern Seoul. Cho, who’s been an iconic figure in Korean music community for 45 years, recently released his 19th studio album, his first new work in 10 years. At the concert, Cho will sing his new songs and old hits, including “Let’s Go on a Trip,” “Come Back to Busan Port,” “A Leopard of Mt. Kilimanjaro” and “Short Hair.” The Seoul performance will kick off a nationwide tour that will stop off at Daejoen, Uijeongbu, Jinju and Daegu. Located near exit 3 of Olympic Park Station, subway line 5. Tickets cost 77,000 to 154,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-7110 or visit www.interpark.com.
Museums
‘Xiongnu, the Great Empire of the Steppes -Mongolian Archeological Excavation Result Exhibition’
National Museum of Korea
Through June 19
The National Museum of Korea will hold a special exhibition on the artifacts of the Huns, the group of nomadic people that roamed Europe and central Asia more than a thousand years ago. Since 1997, the museum has been collaborating with the Mongolian government to investigate the history and heritage of the Huns, who mainly resided in present day Mongolia. The exhibition will display 100 artifacts, highlighted by an exquisite jade disk that was buried in the massive tomb Duurlig Nars, Mongolia. Located near exit 4 of Ichon Station, subway line 4 and the Jungang Line. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000 or visit www.museum.go.kr.
‘Opulence: Treasures of Korean Traditional Craft’
Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art
Through June 2
The museum in central Seoul shows some of the treasures of traditional Korean craftwork. A total of 65 items, on loan from Korean museums and the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, are on display, including a 7th century pure-gold Buddha Statue that is designated a national treasure. Tickets cost 6,000 to 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2014-6900 or visit www.leeum.org.
Pop & Jazz
Jarasum Rhythm ＆ BBQ Festival
Jarasum, Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province
May 17-18
Jarasum Island in Gapyeong. Gyeonggi Province, will be a delightful destination for campers on Friday and Saturday, where they can enjoy an outdoor barbeque with the background of live jazz music. The musical acts to perform on the stage installed at the auto camping grounds include Sultan of The Disco, Watanae-Berlin-Donati, Zion Luz, Benny Golson Quartet, Paul Jackson Trio, Lisa Wahlandt and Hareem. Tickets cost 50,000 won for one day and 80,000 won for two days. There will be another charge for using barbeque zones and car camping zones. For more information, call (031) 581-2814 or visit www.interpark.com.
Laura Fygi
Guri Art Hall
June 29
Jazz virtuoso Laura Fygi will perform at the Guri Art Hall, Guri, Gyeonggi Province. She will sing famous jazz numbers including “I Love You for Sentimental Reasons,” “Let There Be Love,” and “Dream A Little Dream,” a song particularly beloved in Korea. Take a no.6 mini bus at exit 2 of Guri Station, Jungang Line, and get off in front of the art hall. Tickets cost 55,000 to 77,000 won. A wheelchair seat costs 33,000 won. For more information, call (031) 550-8800 or visit www.gart.go.kr.
Sigur Ros
Olympic Gymnastics Arena
May 19
Iceland rock band Sigur Ros will perform at Olympic Gymnastics Arena in southern Seoul. The four-man band was formed in 1994 and has released six studio albums so far, and will unveil its latest album in June this year. Tickets cost 99,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 563-7110 or visit www.interpark.com.
Yoon Jong-shin
Baekyang Hall, Yonsei University
May 31-June 1
Pop musician Yoon Jong-shin will perform at his alma mater. Yoon debuted in 1990 as a vocalist for the pop band 015B and went on to enjoy a prolific career as a solo singer and songwriter. At this concert, he will sing some of its biggest hits,“May You Please,” “One Day Long Ago,” "Rebirth” and “Your Wedding Day.’’To get to the venue, take mini bus no. 3 or 4 from the exit 2 or 3 of Sinchon Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 55,000 to 77,000 won. For more information, call (02) 549-5520 or visit www.interpark.com.
Lee Moon-sae
Olympic Stadium
June 1
Veteran singer Lee Moon-sae will hold a concert in southern Seoul. Lee has been one of the country’s most influential pop singers over the past 30 years, releasing 14 studio albums since his first in 1984. His partnership with late composer Lee Yong-hoon was particularly productive, creating popular ballads like “Gwanghwamun Sonata,” “Old Love” and “I Don’t Know Yet.” Located near exit 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 747-1252 or visit www.interpark.com.
Spring Summer Fall Winter
Chungmu Art Hall
May 11-12
Jazz-rock band Spring Summer Fall Winter will hold a concert in Seoul to celebrate its 25th anniversary. Comprised of guitarist and vocalist Kim Jong-jin and drummer Jeon Tae-kwan, the duo released their first album titled “Spring Summer Fall Winter” in 1988 and have been an influential presence in the pop music scene ever since. The concert venue is located near exit 9 of Sindang Station, subway lines 2 and 6. Tickets cost 66,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.cmah.or.kr.
Stefano Bollani
May 21
Italian jazz pianist Stefano Bollani will perform in southern Seoul. A popular name in the jazz and New Age music scene, Bollani, is also known for his collaborations with trumpeter Enrico Rava and Germany’s Gewandhaus Orchestra. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.
Seoul Jazz Festival
Olympic Park
This year’s Seoul Jazz Festival will be highlighted by a wealth of talent from here and abroad, featuring Damien Rice. The festival started in 2007 and moved from the Sejong Center to the outdoor stage at the Olympic Park in southern Seoul from last year. Participating Korean artists include Chung Won-young, 10 CM, Choi Baek-ho and Jung Sung-jo. Tickets cost 121,000 won for one day and 194,000 won for two days. For more information, call (02) 563-7110 or visit www.seouljazz.co.kr.
Anzenchitai
Olympic Hall, Olympic Park*
Veteran Japanese band Anzenchitai will perform in southern Seoul in June. Along with other bands of the time such as X-Japan, Anzenchitai garnered large popularity here in the 1990s, despite the government strictly restricting the import of Japanese cultural products during the time. Comprised of Koji Tamaki on vocals, Yutaka Takezawa and Wataru Yahagi on guitars, Haruyoshi Rokudo on bass and keyboards, and Yuji Tanaka on drums, Anzenchitai released 13 albums through a career that spans close to three decades and have sold more than 5 million copies. Korea’s Generation Xers who listened to Anzenchitai through illegally copied CDs finally have the opportunity to see them live. Tickets cost 99,000 to 121,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Keith Jarrett Trio
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
American pianist Keith Jarrett and his two musical partners will perform in Seoul in May to celebrate 30th anniversary of the trio’s creation. Also a collaborator with legendary jazz artists Art Blakey, Charles Lloyd and Miles Davis, Jarrett has been reputed for his experimental performance from jazz to classical music. Comprised of drummer Jack Dejohnette, bassist Gary Peacock and Jarrett, the trio has released some 20 recordings and has held about 360 concerts since it was formed in 1983. Tickets cost 60,000 to 220,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2187-6225 or visit sejongpac.or.kr.
UV
Interpark Art Center Hall
May 24-25
Pop duo UV, comprised of funnyman Yoo Se-yun and rapper Muzie, will perform in Seoul. UV has gained huge popularity with their catchy beats and humorous lyrics in songs like “Itaewon Freedom,” “No Cool I’m Sorry” and “Who Am I?” The concert venue is located near exit 9 of Hapjeong Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 66,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 or visit www.interparkartcenter.com.
Plays & Musicals
‘Les Miserables’
Blue Square
Through July 7
A high-profile list of Korean actors will stage the iconic musical at the theater near Itaewon. Comedian-turned-musical actor Jung Sung-hwa will play Jean Valjean, who is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread; Cho Jung-eun will be Fantine, a tragic woman who leads a difficult life of a factory worker, and Javert, a policeman who chases Valjean, will be played by Moon Jong-won. The venue is connected to Hangangjin Station, subway line 6. Tickets cost 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 547-5694 or visit www.lesmis.co.kr.
‘Hedwig’
Baekam Art Hall
June 8-Sept. 8
The musical ''Hedwig’’ will be staged for Korean theatergoers again, as they bought more than 350,000 tickets for it when it was first performed here in 2005. Cho Seung-woo, the popular television and movie actor, will return as Hedwig, the struggling, transsexual rocker from East Germany. Located near exit 8 of Samseong Station, subway line 2. Tickets cost 50,000 to 66,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3485-8700 or visit www.baekamhall.com.
‘Jesus Christ Superstar’
Charlotte Theater
Through June 9
The Korean production of the rock opera “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be staged in southern Seoul. Along with “The Phantom of the Opera” and “Cats,” “Superstar” is one of the most popular Andrew Lloyd Webber works among Korean theatergoers, who are supporting one of Asia’s largest and fast-growing musical markets. Korean American actor Michael K. Lee and Park Eun-tae will alternate as Jesus and rock singers Yoon Do-hyun, Han Ji-sang and Kim Sini have been cast as Judas Iscariot. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station, subway line 2 and 8. Tickets cost 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.charlottetheater.co.kr.
‘The Days’
Daehangno Musical Center
Through June 30
“The Days,” a musical featuring with songs of late folk rock singer Kim Gwang-seok, is on stage at the Daehangno Musical Center in Seoul. However, the story has no particular relation to Kim’s lyrics because it revolves around the adventures of bodyguards stationed at Cheong Wa Dae. Yu Joon-sang, Oh Man-seok and Kang Tae-eul lead a cast heavy with star power. Located near exit 1 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. Tickets cost 55,000 to 99,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363 or visit www.musicalthedays.co.kr.
Dance
‘Replica’
LG Arts Center
The two-day contemporary dance performance blurs the boundaries between arts, a collaboration of artists in different fields, including ballet, modern dance, pop music, photography and video art. Tickets cost 40,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2038-3044 or visit www.lgart.com.