Around Town 1 - The Korea Times

Li Yundi, VadimRepin and the Sydney Symphony Orchestra

Seoul Arts Center*

Oct. 30 and 31

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra will hold a concert with both Chinese pianist Li Yundi and Belgian-Russian violinist VadimRepin in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 30 and 31, respectively. Founded in 1932 as a national broadcasting orchestra, the Sydney Symphony Orchestra played a pivotal role in welcoming European artists fleeing from political and social instability in the aftermath of the First World War. In more contemporary times, the Orchestra constitutes a substantial function in the summer cultural calendar of Sydney, including Symphony in the Domain, an outdoor concert held in a massive park. The Orchestra will perform first with Li Yundi, who is distinguished for being the youngest winner of the International Frederic Chopin Piano Competition, in 2000. They will collaborate on B. Smetana’s “The Moldau” and J. Brahms’s “Symphony No. 2,” and Li will perform F. Chopin’s “Piano Concerto No. 1 in E minor.” The following afternoon, the Orchestra will share the stage with VadimRepin, who was singled out by YehudiMenuhin, himself considered one of the greatest violinists of the 20th century, as ‘the best and most perfect violinist.’ The Orchestra and Repin will perform P. Sculthorpe’s “Sun Music II” and J. Sibelius’s “Symphony No. 2,” and Repin will treat the audience to his rendition of M. Bruch’s “Violin Concerto No. 1 in G minor.” Ticket prices range from 60,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 552-2505 or visit senakorea.com.

Sumi Jo

Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*

Sept. 11

Soprano Sumi Jo will hold a concert at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Sept. 11 to mark the release of her first popular music-based album. Through her impressively resounding and clear voice, Jo has accrued a remarkable resume as one of the leading sopranos of today. For this particular concert, she will be accompanied by, among others: harmonica player Jeon Jae-duk, vocalist Sohyang, Korean musical actor Yoon Yeong-suk, and the Gwacheon Symphony Orchestra, led by Choi Yeong-sun. Ticket prices range from 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3461-0976 or visit smi-entertainment.com.

Paik Kun-woo

Sept. 22

Pianist Paik Kun-woo will hold a solo piano recital in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center on Sept. 22.Paik, who gave his first public concert with the Korean National Orchestra, aged ten, has studied at the most prestigious music institutions around the world and under a few of the most respected artists of his generation. Over the years, Paik has performed recitals in major musical establishments, including the Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, and is known for performing varied yet unfailingly enchanting selections as part of his repertoire. For this particular evening, Paik will delight the audience with his rendition of Alexander Scriabin's "24 Preludes, Op. 11" and Sergei Rachmaninoff's "Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 28." Ticket prices range from 50,000 to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743 or visit www.vincero.co.kr.

Anne Sofie von Otter and Camilla Tilling

LG Arts Center*

Oct. 1

Eminent Swedish sopranos Anne Sofie von Otter and Camilla Tilling will perform at the LG Arts Center on Oct. 1. Von Otter has had notable success in operatic roles of Mozart, Handel and Monteverdi; but her repertoire also includes popular rock and pop songs of the day. Tilling's opera career has gone from strength to strength since her astonishingly successful introduction at New York's City Opera as Corinna in Rossini's "Il viaggio a Reims." They will each be performing pieces by Mendelssohn, Lindblad, Grieg, and Shubert, among others. Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

ViktoriaMullova and the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra

Oct. 2

The BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, accompanied by Russian violinist ViktoriaMullova, will hold a concert in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 21.Initially established in 1922 under a different moniker and having undergone a series of reconfigurations over the years, the BBC Philharmonic is one of five radio orchestras maintained by the British Broadcasting Corporation. The orchestra, which has earned a reputation as the most adventurous of the BBC orchestras in terms of its playing style and choice of music, has a younger demographic of players. Its current chief conductor, the young Spaniard Juanjo Mena, definitely adds to the orchestra’s musical audacity, for as one of the most highly regarded conductors, Mena has worked with many prestigious orchestras, and has released several critically acclaimed renderings of music by both prominent and more obscure artists. ViktoriaMullova, on her part, is best known for her recordings of numerous violin concerti, as well as her classical twist of popular and jazz compositions, such as the works of Mile Davis and Duke Ellington. The orchestra will perform Benjamin Britten's "Simple Symphony, Op. 4" and Franz Schubert's "Symphony No. 9," and Mullova will treat the audience to Jean Sibelius's "Violin Concerto in D minor, Op. 47." Ticket prices range from 50,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743 or visit www.vincero.co.kr.

Sabine Meyer Trio

Sabine Meyer, who is considered to be one of the most accomplished soloists of today, will hold a clarinet recital at the LG Arts Center on Sept. 22. Born in Germany, Meyer made her debut at the age of 16, and subsequently continued her career as a member of first the BayerischeRundfunk Symphony Orchestra, then with the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra as solo clarinetist. By then, however, her star had already begun to rise to previously unexplored heights, so much so that she embarked on a new career as a solo artist. Since then, she has performed numerous concerts, collaborated with other notable artists, and been in countless radio and television appearances all over the world. Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 90,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

MischaMaisky

Sept. 2

Legendary Latvian-born Israeli cellist MischaMaisky will hold a solo concert in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center on Sept. 2, prior to participating in the 6th Credia Park Concert later in the week. Fans can look forward to hearing Maisky perform Bach's "Sonata in g minor, BWV 1029," Shostakovich's "Sonata in d minor, Op. 40," Bruch's "KolNidrei, Op 47," De Falla's "Suite PopulaireEspagnole" and Piazzola's "Le Grand Tango." Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1577-5266 or visit www.sac.or.kr.

‘Liszt vs. Paganini'

Oct. 24

A quartet of internationally recognized musicians, known especially for their deft interpretation of the music of Franz Liszt and Niccolo Paganini, will hold a concert at the Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 24. Pianists Jo Jae-hyuck and Peter Klimo will be performing respectively a selection of Liszt's repertoire, such as "Grande Etude de Paganini No. 6 S141," "Venezia e Napoli, 3. Tarantella S162," "Dante Sonata No. 7" and "Années de PelerinageItalie S161," while violinists BaekJoo-young and Kim Da-mi will play various pieces by Paganini, ranging from "Cantabile in D Major Op. 17 MS109" to "Le Streghe Witches Dance." Ticket prices range from 30,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2658-3546 or visit www.stompmusic.com.

Muse

Olympic Stadium*

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 holds 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

American rapping sensation Tyler, the Creator will hold 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 seven, 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.

Halie Loren

Kepco Art Center

Aug. 28 and 29

American jazz singer and songwriter and Korean favorite Halie Loren will host a concert at the Kepco Art Center on Aug. 28 and 29. Christened the "Diva of Jazz," Loren came to international attention at the age of 15 when she won both the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and Billboard World Song Contest. Making her first foray into the public arena with her 2008 album, "They Oughta Write a Song," Loren was especially noted for her crystal clear tone yet smoky, soulful, and indefinably alluring delivery. Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 702-7445 or visit www.kepco.co.kr/artcenter/.

‘The Bright Side'

Yes24 Muv Hall

Aug. 27

Australian singer Lenka will hold a concert at Yes24 Muv Hall on Aug. 27 to promote her latest album, "The Bright Side." The world was first introduced to the self-stylized Lenka in 2008 with her eponymous debut album "Lenka," and in particular through her first single and worldwide hit, "The Show." Lenka is known as much for her indubitably pop-style voice as she is for her whimsical and innovative paper art type of stop-motion animated music videos. Since her debut, she has released three albums, lent her singing voice to German artist Schiller for his album "Atemlos," and even provided her acting chops on several films and television shows. As mentioned previously, she will be singing songs from her most recent album, such as "The Long Way Home" and "The Bright Side," as well as some of her more popular tunes. Tickets will cost 77,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.allaccess.co.kr.

‘Fathers and Sons'

Myeongdong Theater

Sept. 2-25

The Myeongdong Theater will stage a production of "Fathers and Sons" from Sept. 2 to 25. In its original form, "Fathers and Sons" is an 1862 novel by Russian novelist Ivan Turgenev. Remembered as one of his best-known works, the novel centers on the occasionally strained and awkward, yet fundamentally loving relationship between Nikolai Kirsanov and his university-graduate son, Arkady, whose newly adopted nihilist philosophy and worldview comes to clash with his father's more traditional, dated beliefs. Ticket prices range from 20,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1644-2003 or visit www.mdtheater.or.kr.

‘The Pride'

Soohyeonjae Theatre

Through Nov. 1

The Soohyeonjae Theatre will be staging a Korean rendition of "The Pride," a British prizewinning play on sexuality and subsequent repression, from Aug. 8 to Nov. 1. Written by Alexi Kaye Campbell in 2008, "The Pride" revolves around two parallel love stories, interweaving between 1950s Britain, when stringent laws and hostile public perception of homosexuality forces Philip, one of the main protagonists, to suppress his attraction to Oliver, and present-day England, where the modern-day Philip finds himself on the verge of destroying his relationship with Oliver through his relentless pursuit of anonymous sex. BaeSoo-bin and Kang Pil-suk will play the role of Philip, while the role of Oliver will be assumed by Jeong Dong-hwa and Park Seong-hoon. Ticket prices range from 40,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 766-6007 or visit www.thebestplay.co.kr.

‘Man of La Mancha'

D-Cube Art Center

A production of the 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." 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.

‘Rice’

LG Arts Center

Sept. 11 and 12

The Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan will stage a production of “Rice” at the LG Arts Center from Sept. 11 to 12. / Courtesy of the LG Arts Center

The Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan will stage a production of “Rice” at the LG Arts Center from Sept. 11 to 12. Founded by renowned Taiwanese dancer, choreographer, and writer Lin Hwai-min in 1970, the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre is known for blending elements of both Asian mythology and folklore, and modern sensibilities to create its very own signature approach. Moreover, Cloud Gate dancers, who are trained in multiple disciplines, perform and borrow from artistic and philosophical/ motional traditions that range from t’ai chi and meditation to ballet and modern dance. “Rice,” specially created by the troupe’s heralded founder, coincides with the company’s 40th anniversary. The inspiration for this latest venture stems from the natural landscape and story of Chihshang in the East Rift Valley of Taiwan. Over the years, this area, once contaminated by chemical fertilizers, has regained its title as the ‘land of Emperor Rice’ through new farming techniques and practices. Lin reportedly traveled to the region with his dancers and joined the environmentally conscious farmers in harvesting the day’s rice. From this singular experience came “Rice,” which centers on the core elements – namely Earth, Wind, Fire, and Water – to depict the wonders of the natural world and mankind’s exceptional ability and talent to destroy it. Ticket prices range from 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

‘La Bayadère’

Oct. 27-Nov. 1

The Universal Ballet Company will stage a production of French ballet “La Bayadère” in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center from Oct. 27 to Nov. 1. “La Bayadère” was created by eminent French choreographer Marius Petipa, set to the music of Austrian composer Ludwig Minkus. First performed by the Mariinsky Ballet in 1877, “La Bayadère” remains ever popular with the ballet community, rendered primarily in two different versions. Set in a mysterious, make-believe Royal India of the past, “La Bayadère” revolves around the eternal love of Nikiya, a beautiful temple dancer, and Solor, a noble warrior. Both bound to others in terms of duty, but bound to each other in true love, the holiest of sentiments, the two star-crossed lovers must battle through the treacherous High Brahmin and his equally vindictive daughter, Gamzatti, to be united in death. Ticket prices range from 10,000 to 120,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1737 or visit www.ucfkorea.com.

‘Onegin'

Nov. 7-8

The Stuttgart Ballet Company will stage a production of “Onegin” in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center from Nov. 7 to 8. / Courtesy of Credia

The Stuttgart Ballet Company will stage a production of "Onegin" in southern Seoul at the Seoul Arts Center from Nov. 7 to 8. It tells the doomed love story of the timid yet charming Tatiana, whose object of affection, Eugene Onegin, cruelly rejects her and instead turns his salacious attentions on Tatiana's sister, Olga. His idle actions enrage Olga’s fiancé and Onegin’s close and only friend, Lensky, who challenges him to a duel and promptly dies. After leaving Russia, Onegin returns, many years later, to find that Tatiana, the woman he had heartlessly spurned, has grown into a beautiful and self-possessed woman. Although Onegin vociferously persuades Tatiana to leave her husband, Onegin’s efforts are to no avail, a bittersweet fate that is reminiscent of Tatiana’s pain years prior. Korean treasure and leading ballerina Kang Sue-jin will portray the tragic heroine Tatiana in her final role at the Stuttgart Ballet, while Jason Reilly will play the titular role of Onegin. Ticket prices range from 50,000 to 280,000 won. For more information, call (02) 1577-5266 or visit www.credia.co.kr.