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Classical Concerts
SAC Saturday Concert
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center* (See venues for more information)
Nov. 20
Seoul Arts Center (SAC) will hold its second Saturday concert under the direction of pianist-turned-conductor Kim Dae-jin. Violinist Lee Kyung-sun will perform with the SAC Festival Orchestra for Mozart’s “Violin Concerto in G major, K 216.” The program also features Mozart’s “Symphony No. 40 in G minor, K 550.” Tickets cost 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Matinee Concert
Concert Hall, Seongnam Arts Center*
Nov. 18
Top local orchestras including Ensemble TIMF and KBS Symphony Orchestra will give a matinee concert. They will perform “Fanfare for the Common Man” by Copland, “Adagio for Strings, Op. 11” by Barber, “All I Ask of You” from the musical “The Phantom of the Opera” and more. Popular baritone Kim Dong-gyu will narrate. All seats cost 24,000 won. For more information, call (031) 783-8000.
Great 3B Series-Beethoven 2010
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 17
Under the direction of conductor Kim Dae-jin, the Suwon Philharmonic Orchestra and soloists including violinist Kim Min-jae and cellist Kim Min-ji will play masterpieces by Beethoven including ``Triple Concerto for Violin, Cello and Piano in C major, Op.56’’ as well as ``Symphony No. 2 in D major Op. 36.’’ Tickets cost 20,000 to 40,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Young Song Cello Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Dec. 5
Popular young cellist Young Song (Song Young-hoon) brings his most ambitious project, a recital tour showcasing hallmarks in the cello repertoire including “Elegie in C minor, Op. 24” by Faure, “Cello Sonata Nos. 1 and 2” by Brahms and “Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14” by Rachmaninov. Pianist Aviram Reichert will accompany the artist. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2658-3546.
Kim Sun-wook Piano Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 27
Piano prodigy Kim Sun-wook, winner of the 2006 Leeds International Pianoforte Competition, will hold a recital. The program includes Beethoven’s “Piano Sonata No. 3 in E major, Op. 109,” “Piano Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor, Op. 27-2” and Schumann’s “Arabesque in C major, Op. 18.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743.
Golden Opera Gala
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Nov. 12
Supported by the G20 Seoul Summit organizing committee, the Korea Opera Group presents a gala show. Under the baton of Marco Zambelli, the opera parade will feature timeless arias from “Juditha Triumphants,” “Semiramide,” “Rigoletto,” “Carmen,” “Tosca,” and “Turandot.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Fair Trade Gala Concert
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Nov. 22
Maestro Chung Myung-whun and emerging young artists will hold a concert to promote fair trade coffee. Chung will appear as pianist while his son Min will take the baton, and popular cellist Young Song (Song Young-hoon) and violinist Kim Soo-vin will also join the event. The Busan Boystown Aloysius Orchestra and Miracle of Music, a non-profit ensemble the maestro founded, will accompany the artists. Tickets cost 25,000 to 125,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-4145.
Big Tickets
2010 Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, Amsterdam with Mariss Jansons
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 12-13
Listed as one of world’s best orchestras on Gramophone’s 2008 List, the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra (RCO) will visit Korea with Maestro Mariss Jansons. Their program features Beethoven’s “Overture to Leonore,” Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 4,” Rossini’s “Guillaume Tell Overture” and more. Violinist Gil Shaham will appear with the ensemble for Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto in E minor.” Tickets cost 60,000 to 420,000 won. For more information, call (02)580-1300.
Israel Philharmonic and Zubin Mehta
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts,* Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 13-14
The Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, established even before the country itself, will stage a concert with charismatic conductor Zubin Mehta and esteemed pianist Paik Kun-woo on Nov. 13 at the Sejong Center and Nov. 14 at Seoul Arts Center. The repertoire includes Rachmaninov’s “Piano Concerto No. 3,” Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring” and Mahler’s “Symphony No. 1 ‘Titan.’” Tickets cost 70,000 to 350,000 won. Call 1577-5266.
Tenor Jose Carreras Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 19
Jose Carreras, who is among the world’s Big Three Tenors alongside Placido Domingo and the late Luciano Pavarotti, will give a recital for local fans. David Gimenez will conduct the Korean Symphony. Tickets cost 50,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
JYJ Worldwide Concert in Seoul
Jamsil Olympic Stadium
Nov. 27-28
JYJ, comprised of previous members of hit K-pop group TVXQ, Jejung, Yuchun and Junsu, will hold a concert. The show, titled `The Beginning,’ is directed by Jeri Slaughter who was behind the making of showcases for world pop stars such as Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez and more. Tickets cost 55,000 to 154,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555. Located near exits 6 or 7 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2.
Museums
Photographer Kim Joong-man Exhibition
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Nov. 16
For the 20th anniversary of the Dr. Wunsch Medical Award, one of the most respected prizes in the field of medicine, photographs of 20 winners of the award will be displayed. Renowned photographer Kim Joong-man’s works portray the passion and sympathy of the great doctors who devoted their lives to medical development. Entrance is free. For more information, call (02) 3406-2291.
Pearl of World Art, East Asia
Hangaram Art Museum 2F, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Dec. 5
Under the theme of “multiculture,” Asian artists from near and far will present contemporary art pieces. Unique works by “nomad” artists from the Philippines, Myanmar and Indonesia will give the exhibition a different flavor. Tickets cost 1,000 to 2,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
The Painting and Calligraphy of Yi In-sang (1710-1760)
Calligraphy and Painting Gallery, National Museum of Korea
Through Dec. 5
In commemoration of the 300th anniversary of one of the most respected painters of the late Joseon Kingdom, Yi In-sang, National Museum of Korea presents 16 pieces of his works including one of his best works “Winter Pine.” The exhibition will well display values important in Confucian culture such loyalty and a literary spirit. The museum is located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
Masterpieces of Goryeo Buddhist Painting — A Long Lost Look after 700 Years
National Museum of Korea
Through Nov. 21
The National Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition “Masterpieces of Goryeo Buddhist Painting — A Long Lost Look after 700 Years” through Nov. 21. This exhibition, the largest of its kind, provides a rare opportunity to see all the beauty and splendor of a total of 108 Goryeo Buddhist paintings collected from all over the world at one venue. Admission is 1,000 won for ages seven to 18, 2,000 won for ages 19 to 25, and 3,000 won for ages 26 to 64. The museum is located near exit 2 of Ichon Subway Station, Line No. 4.
White Porcelain Jars: Embracing Joseon Ideals and Rituals
Fine Arts Gallery II, National Museum of Korea
Through Nov. 14
The exhibition is designed to show off the unique features of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910) ceramics through its jars. Such wares as the placenta jar, burial ware and jars with dragon motifs were created for specific purposes with the unique culture and the aesthetic of the Joseon royal family at work only within the court. The museum is located at Ichon Station on subway line 4, exit 2.
Pop & Jazz
Red Rain’s ‘The Greatest’
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 20-21
Red Rain will give a concert at Seoul Arts Center, becoming the first female pop singer to grace the prestigious stage. The artist, who is known for featuring in popular TV drama soundtracks, will sing her hits and famous oldies from the 1970s as well as more recent works with a jazzy twist. Popera tenor Im Tae-kyung will appear as a special guest. Tickets cost from 60,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com or call 580-1300.
Lee Seung-gi Live Concert
Gymnastic Stadium, Olympic Park*
Nov. 21
Popular K-pop star and actor Lee Seung-gi will hold a concert titled “Hope.” Special performances as well as the appearance of high-profile guests are expected to add more fun and energy to the show. Tickets cost 55,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, visit ticket.interpark.com or call 1544-1555.
Park Jin-young’s ‘Bad Party’
Gymnastic stadium, Olympic Park*
Dec. 23-24
Park Jin-young, also known as JYP and the producer of pop groups the Wonder Girls and 2PM, is returning as a singer for a hot and sexy winter concert. Park will dazzle the crowd with his sexy moves and famous tunes in what is expected to be a unique performance. Admission is restricted to those aged 19 and over. Tickets cost from 66,000 won to 132,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Taylor Swift
Gymnastic stadium, Olympic Park*
Feb. 11, 2011
Pop princess Taylor Swift will be coming to Korea for the first time. The 20-year-old singer may be cute and pretty, but when it comes to music, she has seen it all from American Music Awards, Grammies and the Billboard Music Awards. Grace yourselves with something sweet, funky, cute and sexy with Swift at her first local show. Tickets cost from 88,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Dance
Ballet `The Nutcracker’
Universal Arts Center
Dec. 22-31
The Universal Ballet will stage the classic Christmastime treat ``The Nutcracker.’’ Based on a story by E.T.A. Hoffmann, the ballet features delicate dance moves to Tchaikovsky’s beautiful music. Tickets cost 10,000 to 80,000 won. For more information, call 070-7124-1740. Near exit 4 of Achasan Station subway line 5.
Mask dance `Mother! Mother!’
Seoul Namsan Traditional Theater
Nov. 13
Jung Myeong-ja, a master of Korean traditional mask dance, ``talchum,’’ will give a special performance titled “Mother! Mother!” The piece depicts the woes of the divided Korean Peninsula, and features themes of love and separation. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 929-7190. Located near exits 3 and 4 of Chungmuro Station on subway lines 3 and 4. The theater is located in Namsangol Hanok Village, which is a popular tourist destination for traditional Korean arts and culture.
Ballet ‘Swan Lake’
Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
Nov. 12-13
In celebration of the G20 Seoul Summit as well as the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Korea, Russia’s world-famous Mariinsky Ballet will tour the country. Principal dancers including Ulyana Lopatkina and Danil Korsuntsev will perform the timeless ballet “Swan Lake.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call 1577-7766.
Contemporary dance ‘Madame Freedom’
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 24-25
In 1950s Korea, “freedom” was a popular word when the nation underwent rapid modernization following its liberation from colonial Japan. The Arzid Modern Dance Company contemplates the real meaning of freedom in contemporary society through various dance moves. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02)580-1300.
Plays & Musicals
42nd Street
Charlotte Theater
Through Nov. 21
The Korean version of the Broadway musical comedy “42nd Street” is in theaters again after a smash hit performance last year. The cast features top local talent including veteran actor Park Sang-won, musical star Park Hae-mi and singer Choi Sung-hee. The stage will be filled with rhythmical jazz melodies and energetic tap dance sequences that won’t disappoint musical fans. Tickets cost 30,000 to 120,000 won. The theater is located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway lines 2 and 8. For more information., call 1644-0078.
Kyungsook, Kyungsook’s Father
Jayu Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 20-Dec. 5
The Seoul Arts Center Masterwork Series will present “Kyungsook, Kyungsook’s Father,” a piece that was chosen among the year’s best three plays by the International Association of Theater Critics-Korea. Set in 1950s Korea, it tells a sad yet a heartwarming story of a poor family, though not without a hint of comedy. Tickets cost 20,000 to 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
The Sorrows of Young Werther
Universal Art Center
Through Nov. 30
First produced 10 years ago by a Korean team, and based on the time-honored classic novel by Goethe, the musical “The Sorrows of Young Werther” returns to the stage. The upcoming rendition features a cast of renowned actors including Park Geon-hyeong and Song Chang-ui.The theater is located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5. For more information, visit www.werther.co.kr.
Annie
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Dec. 16-28
After premiering in 1977 on Broadway, “Annie” debuted in Korea in 2006. The Seoul Metropolitan Musical Theater brings back the story of the little orphan who never gives up on finding her parents despite hardships. Fortunately she gets to spend a special Christmas at a mansion where she meets billionaire businessman, Oliver, who eventually opens his heart to Annie and helps her in her search. Tickets cost 30,000 to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1772.
