Around Town 1

Danny Elfman's Music from the Films of Tim Burton Concert

Olympic Stadium

July 31-Aug. 1

The Prime Philharmonic Orchestra will hold a concert celebrating the immeasurable work of Danny Elfman, the composer behind many of Tim Burton's most beloved films. Beginning with Burton's first feature film, "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," in 1985, Elfman and Burton have become synonymous with the unparalleled wonders that a successful partnership and collaboration between storytelling and music can produce. In addition to the music, which will be conducted by John Mauceri and feature violinist Sandy Cameron, audiences will be provided with a dizzying visual experience in the form of Burton's original sketches and storyboards splashed out on the big screen, seamlessly set to the corresponding film scores. Elfman himself will make a special appearance and perform his original score for the classic "The Nightmare Before Christmas" with the orchestra. Ticket prices range from 66,000 to 143,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7098-5060 or visit burton-elfman.co.kr.

Kammersymphonie Berlin

Seoul Arts Center*

Sept. 16

The Kammersymphonie Berlin will hold a concert at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul on Sept. 16. / Courtesy of BravoComm

The Kammersymphonie Berlin will present a concert in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center on Sept. 16. Founded in 1991, the orchestra has created a niche for itself specializing in rarely played music from the classical modernist era. In addition to its classical repertoire, the orchestra works to promote rousing pieces by up-and-coming, contemporary composers from the world over. They will be led by Jurgen Bruns, their artistic director and chief conductor. Moreover, the Kammersymphonie Berlin will share the stage with violinist Emil Chudnovsky in performing Mozart’s “Divertimento in D major K. 136,” “Violin Concerto No. 5 in A major K. 219,” and “Symphony No. 40 in G minor K. 550.” Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3456-2466 or visit bravocomm.co.kr.

‘Gran Tango'

July 7

Song Young-hoon, one of the most sought-after cellists in Korea, will hold a collaborative concert with Cuatrocientos, a Japanese tango band, at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul on July 7. Song is something of a household name in Korea. After making his sensational debut at the precocious age of nine on national television, he was commended by the Seoul mayoral office with the Seoul Mayor's Medal for outstanding young talent. Since his vigorous studies at Juilliard at the pre-college level, Song has flourished both domestically and in the international classical music scene, participating in numerous prestigious music festivals and performing at hallowed venues around the globe. Cuatrocientos, for their part, stand at the helm of the Japanese tango movement of sorts. Consisting of violinist and bandleader Mmomoko, pianist Hayashi Masaki, bassist Nishijima Toru, and bandoneonist Ktamura Satoshi, Cuatrocientos derives their name from the Spanish word, which simply stands for the number 400. The dual act will perform music by Astor Piazzolla, a highly influential Argentinian tango composer and bandoneon player who revolutionized and modernized the traditional tango. Ticket prices range from 30,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2658-3546 or visit stompmusic.com.

Kim Sun-wook and Isang Enders Concert

Aug. 29 and 30

Korean pianist Kim Sun-wook and German cellist Isang Enders will hold collaborative concerts in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center on Aug. 29 and 30. Kim has been in the global spotlight since winning the 2006 Liege Piano Competition and demonstrating his talents at various music festivals around the world, while Enders has remained an indomitable fixture on the classical music scene since the tender age of 12. He has even formed his own group, Ensemble Ceres, which is indicative of his passion for his craft. The two musicians will perform a diverse selection of pieces from one of the most integral, pioneering composers of yesteryear — Beethoven. Ticket prices range from 20,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743 or visit www.vincero.co.kr.

‘Goethe & Liszt'

Aug. 25

The Korean Symphony Orchestra, conducted by the inimitable Lim Hun-joung, will be holding a concert in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center on August 25. The theme of the concert revolves around the character of Faust, an aging German scholar who, in spite of his wealth of knowledge, struggles to discover life's true meaning and purpose, as featured in Johann Wolfgang von Goethe's two-part play "Faust." Accompanied by both the National Chorus of Korea and the Anyang Civic Chorale, the orchestra will be performing an aria titled "Salut Demeure Chaste et Pure" from C.F. Gounod's grand opera, "Faust," and Franz Liszt's "Faust Symphony." Ticket prices range from 10,000 to 60,000 won. For more information, call (02) 523-6258 or visit www.koreansymphony.com.

Pharrell Williams

Olympic Stadium*

Aug. 14

Pharrell Williams, the genius behind numerous hit singles from the likes of Jay-Z, Beyonce, and Madonna, will be performing for the very first time in Korea at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 14. Over his twenty-year career in the music industry, Pharrell has truly earned his title as a musical polymath: he is a singer-songwriter, rapper, record producer, and even works as a fashion designer in his spare time. In the earlier part of his career, he often acted as the behind-the-scenes engineer of the aforementioned hits, but in recent years, Pharrell has come into his own with global chart-toppers "Blurred Lines in 2013" and "Happy" the following year, and his momentum has yet to stop. Ticket prices range from 99,000 to 132,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.allaccess.co.kr.

Imagine Dragons

Aug. 13

Imagine Dragons, a four-member American rock band, will be holding their first concert in Korea at the Olympic Stadium on August 13. While the band, consisting of lead vocalist Dan Reynolds, guitarist Wayne Sermon, bassist Ben McKee, and drummer Daniel Platzman, has been active since 2008, they first gained significant international exposure and attention upon the release of their debut studio album in 2012, "Night Visions," which is exemplary for exhibiting influences from eclectic and seemingly incompatible musical genres. The group will also be performing songs from their second album, "Smoke + Mirrors," as well as hit singles from their previous studio release. Ticket prices range from 66,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6925-1818 or visit www.livenation.kr.

Muse

Sept. 30

Muse, arguably the most famous British export in the rock music scene in the new millennium, is holding a concert at the Olympic Stadium on September 30 as part of their worldwide "Drones" tour. Consisting of lead vocalist Matthew Bellamy, bass guitarist Christopher Wolstenholme, and percussionist Dominic Howard, Muse first formed in the early 1990s, and has been racking up a sizable, passionate fan base and critical acclaim for their irreverent musical style and energetic live performances ever since. They will be performing both songs from their latest album, Drones, and past fan favorites. Ticket prices range from 99,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.allaccess.co.kr.

‘Polish Art: An Enduring Spirit'

The National Museum of Korea

Through Aug. 30

In collaboration with the National Museum in Warsaw, the National Museum of Korea will be holding a special exhibition, "Polish Art: An Enduring Spirit," from June 5 to Aug. 30. This exhibition will be the first of its kind on Korean shores, with its primary objective being to introduce the artistic traditions and rich history of a country whose influence in shaping the European aesthetic identity is indisputable, but whose contributions have long since faded into the background. Thus, through the more than 200 pieces sourced from 17 different institutions that will be on display, visitors will have the invaluable opportunity to essentially "rediscover" the veiled essence of Polish art. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 2077-9483 or visit www.museum.go.kr.

Tyler, The Creator

AX-KOREA Hall

Sept. 12

Tyler, the Creator will hold his first concert in Seoul at AX-Korea Hall on Sept. 12. / Courtesy of My Same In

American rapping sensation Tyler, the Creator will be holding his first concert in Seoul at AX-KOREA Hall on Sept. 12. Tyler, the Creator’s musical inclinations have been evident since he was young. When he was 7, he envisioned his own imaginary albums from the album covers of reigning artists at the time, and at the age of 14, he taught himself how to play the piano. Since the formation of the alternative hip hop collective Odd Future, Tyler, the Creator has risen to significant prominence with his other, individual ventures, such as his first solo album in 2009. Ticket prices range from 75,000 to 85,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2633-4394 or visit www.mysameink.com.

‘Dry'

Hyundai Card Understage

Aug. 1 and 2

Korean rock star, songwriter, and music producer Lee Seung-hwan will hold solo concerts at the Hyundai Card Understage Aug. 1 and 2. Since his mind-blowing debut in 1989, Lee has racked up both critical and popular acclaim, if album sales and a most rabid fan base are any indication of his tremendous success. He will be singing many of his past hits, such as "Flower," "Mistake" and "A Request." Ticket prices range from 44,000 to 88,000 won. For more information, call (02) 479-2455 or visit www.df.co.kr.

The Real Group Concert

Sept. 14

The Real Group, a professional a capella group from Sweden, will hold a concert at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul on Sept. 14 to mark the 30th anniversary of its creation. Courtesy of Vincero

The Real Group, a professional a capella group hailing from Sweden, will present a concert at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul on Sept. 14 to mark its 30th anniversary. Formed in 1984 by its original members, who were all students at the Swedish Royal College of Music at its inception, the Real Group derives its core inspiration from American vocalist and conductor Bobby McFerrin, who is himself known for his eccentric vocal techniques. Currently consisting of five members, the Real Group’s ties with Korea go back quite far. In 2002, the musical troupe performed at the opening ceremony of the World Cup in Seoul, in front of a crowd of 60,000. Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743 or visit www.vincero.co.kr.

MAGIC!

Aug. 12

MAGIC!, a Canadian reggae fusion band, will present a concert at AX-KOREA Hall on Aug. 12. Despite the band’s lack of experience in the mainstream music industry – to date, they have been active as a band for only three years – the band makes up for any deficiencies through immeasurable talent and appeal across a wide spectrum of individuals. Their most well-known song and debut single, “Rude,” received over 570 million hits on YouTube and occupied positions in music charts in over 35 countries, including Billboard’s Top 100. Tickets cost 69,000 won. For more information, call (02) 323-8500 or visit www.dment.co.kr.

‘Man of La Mancha'

D-Cube Art Center

July 30-Nov. 1

A production of the ever-beloved musical "Man of La Mancha" will be staged at the D-Cube Art Center from July 30 to Nov. 1. Written by Dale Wasserman initially as a non-musical teleplay, "Man of La Mancha" is partly inspired by the eventful life of Spanish literary genius Miguel de Cervantes and his canonical work "Don Quixote." Since its debut in the U.S. in 1965, "Man of La Mancha" has become one of the most enduring musicals of all time, regularly performed both on Broadway, where it first gained considerable attention, and around the world in different languages, ranging from Bulgarian and Hebrew to Icelandic and Czech. Set in the late 16th century during the tumultuous years of the Spanish Inquisition, the immensely popular musical tells the story of Miguel de Cervantes, a tax collector who has led a peripatetic existence as a failed author and soldier, and is now moments away from facing the Inquisition for his crimes. The dungeons of the Inquisition are no less hostile, however, as de Cervantes's fellow inmates rapaciously try to steal his belongings, including a manuscript of what would be known as Don Quixote. To shield his manuscript from the rabid claws of the prisoners, de Cervantes, along with his faithful manservant, dive into Don Quixote's make-believe world of chivalry and winding imagination to prove his innocence. Cho Seung-woo and Ryu Jung-han alternate the role of de Cervantes/ Don Quixote. Ticket prices range from 60,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1588-5212 or visit www.openreview.co.kr.

‘Death Note'

Seongnam Arts Center

Through Aug. 9

A production of "Death Note" will be staged at the Seongnam Arts Center through Aug. 9. Adapted from the colossally popular Japanese manga series of the same name, "Death Note" revolves around Light Yagami, a bored yet highly intelligent teenager who stumbles upon a supernatural notebook that grants its owner the ability to kill anyone whose name and face he or she knows. Armed with such a formidable weapon, Light proceeds to ‘cleanse the world of all evil' and exterminates every individual whom he deems to be unfit for his ultimate plan for a "new world," free from evil and darkness. The inexplicable series of deaths of criminals soon piques the interest of L, an enigmatic and incredibly skilled international investigator who is lured by Light into a dangerous cat-and-mouse game. Ticket prices range from 90,000 to 140,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1577-3663 or visit www.clipservice.co.kr.

‘The Sleeping Beauty'

Chungmu Art Hall

Aug. 14-16

The Universal Ballet Company will be staging a production of "The Sleeping Beauty" at the Chungmu Art Hall from August 14 to 16. Composed by Russian Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky in 1889, "The Sleeping Beauty" stands as the highly respected Russian composer's second of three ballets. Loosely based on the original fairy tale written by Charles Perrault, the ballet is today considered to be one of the classical repertoire's most famous and oft-performed pieces. Ticket prices range from 20,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2230-6623 or visit www.cmah.or.kr.