Concerts, museums and theater

Classical Concerts

Ensemble Berlin Live in Seoul
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 30

Virtuoso ensemble “Ensemble Berlin,” consisting of members from the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, is set to hold its first national tour starting in Seoul Nov. 30, followed by Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center in Jinju Dec. 1 and Geoje Art Center in Geoje Dec. 4. The ensemble includes violinists Philipp Bohnen, Hwang Sun-young, Martin von der Nahmer, cellist Clemens Weigel, contrabassist Ulrich Wolff, oboist Christoph Hartmann, and bassoonist Mor Biron. Rising Korean violinist Hwang will take part in this national tour as the second violinist. Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3461-0976.

Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts* (See ‘Venues’ on the right for more information)
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 11, 13

The Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1951 and now led by maestro Yuri Simonov, will appear with violinist Joszef Lendvay. Lendvay, born in 1974 in Hungary and best known as a violinist mixing classical music with gypsy melodies, will perform “Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64” by Mendelssohn” on Nov. 11 and “Violin Concerto in D major” by Tchaikovsky on Nov. 13. Tickets cost 60,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3463-2466.

Stefan Pi Jackiw Recital
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 26

After debuting with his first recital in Korea in 2009 and releasing his first recorded album with Brahms’ Violin Sonatas, violinist Stefan Pi Jackiw is to hold his second recital with the four composer’s pieces of the 20th century. Additionally, he has had a series of engagements with the Chicago Symphony, Toronto Symphony and Rochester Philharmonic. Starting in Busan on Nov. 25, the violinist is going on a national tour, followed by Seoul on Nov. 26 and Daejeon on Nov. 27. The masterpieces of Stravinsky, Copland, Lutoslawski and Richard Strauss will be performed. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 741-1521.

Berliner Philharmoniker with Simon Rattle
Seoul Arts Center*
Sejong Center for the Performing Art*
Nov. 15 and 16

Berliner Philharmoniker will again visit Korea. In 2005 when the orchestra held a concert in Korea for the first time in 20 years, the ensemble promised it would hold a triennial concert for Korean fans. “Symphony No. 9 in D major” by Mahler and “Symphony No. 9 in D minor” by Bruckner will be played under the baton of conductor Sir Simon Rattle. Tickets cost 50,000 to 450,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6303-7700 or (02) 580-1300 (Seoul Arts Center).

The Little Singers from Paris Christmas Concert
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Seoul Art Center*
Dec. 9, 20

The Little Singers of Paris (Les Petits Chanteurs a La Croix de Bois), founded in 1906 and best known as boy sopranos with perfect harmony, will hold a local tour in Korea. The chorus covers a wide range of genres from classical music to pop songs. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 597-9870.

Han-Na Cello Recital
Seoul Arts Center*
Dec. 8

World-renowned Korean cellist Chang Han-na will go on stage with her pianist and recital partner Finghin Collins, performing the pieces of Rachmaninov and Piazzolla. Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 741-1763~5.

St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 8-9

St. Petersburg Philharmonic Orchestra, a Russian orchestra founded in 1882 and led by conductor Yuri Temirkanov, is set to perform with Korean-American violinist Sarah Chang. The performance is designed to celebrate the 21st anniversary of the establishment of Korean broadcaster SBS. “Symphony No.2 in e minor Op. 27” by Rachmaninov on Nov. 8 and “Symphony No. 5 in e minor Op.64 by” Tchaikovsky on Nov. 9 will be played. Tickets cost 60,000 to 270,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-3183.

Young Virtuoso Concert Series
Olympus Hall
Nov. 27, Dec. 22

Three rising Korean artists will appear in Olympus Korea’s series of classical concerts to support young artists. The three are pianist Ben Kim, flutist Park Jee-eun and violinist Kang Ju-mi. Yamaha artist Park will be on stage with the Matador Guitar Quartet with the performance “BACH-HAUS” on Nov. 27. In December, rising violinist Kang Ju-mi is scheduled to hold her recital and perform Milstein’s Paganiniana. Tickets cost 44,000 to 55,000 won. Located near exit 7 of Cheongdam Station on subway line 7. For more information, call (02) 6255-3270.

Cavalleria Rusticana & Pagliacci
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 10-13

Two Italian operas, “Cavalleria Rusticana” by Pietro Mascagni and “Pagliacci” by Ruggiero Leoncavallo will be on stage. “Cavalleria Rusticana,” premiered in Rome in 1890, describes a tragic love story of a soldier based in Sicily. “Pagliacci,” premiered in Milan in 1892, means “the clowns” and is a dramatic piece based on a true story of villagers and a clown troupe in Calabria, Italy. Tickets cost 30,000 to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 518-0154.

Big Tickets

2011 Sung Si-kyung Live Tour
Jamsil Gymnasium
Nov. 6

Sung Si-kyung, one of the most popular male ballad singers in Korea, will meet his fans through Nov. 6, with the last stage set in Seoul. The concert series will promote his newly-released 7th album and will be a good chance for audiences to enjoy his romantic voice with an autumn flavor. Tickets cost 77,000 to 121,000 won. Located near exit 6 or 7 of Sport Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 540-4550.

Museums

Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life
Through the end of December
Yongsan War Memorial (Museum)

Since its first opening in 1995, this exhibition has been held throughout the world in over 60 cities and has drawn over 30 million visitors. With the “Plastination” technique which is a biologically-advanced way to preserve bodies invented by Dr. Gunther von Hagens, this exhibition is now prepared to meet Korean audiences and display the body preserved in a perfect state. The exhibition was designed to make audiences rethink the meaning of life, death and health. Tickets cost 15,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Samgakji Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 541-6236.

Paintings of Rabindranath Tagore ― The Last Harvest
National Museum of Korea
Through Nov. 27

Commemorating “The Year of the Korea-India Friendship,” the museum exhibits 49 paintings by Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) and his related books. Tagore, best known through his poem “A Light of the East,” is the first Asian who received the Nobel Prize in literature in 1913 with his poetry series titled “Gitanjali.” Though many people remember him only as a poet, this exhibition is designed to break this stereotype and show a wide range of his achievements in novel, theater, music, dance and painting. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more, call (02) 2077-9496.

Ancient Writings and Thereafter
National Museum of Korea
Through Nov. 27

The museum will feature about 400 artifacts related to ancient Asian writings and letter. For this exhibition, “A Rubbed Copy of the Inscription on King Gwanggaeto’s Monument” will be displayed for the first time. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9461.

Pop & Jazz

Deli Spice - Goodbye Sorrow, 2011
AX-KOREA
Dec. 17

As a first generation independent music band, Deli Spice has been loved by so many fans ever since emerging with lyrical music in 1997 and captivating audiences with touching melodies. Making a comeback from a long break with its new album titled “Open Your Eyes,” this band successfully finished its showcase celebrating the album’s release last September and is now set to hold a performance in December. Audiences are expected to enjoy the warm and romantic mood that the band will present at the end of the year. Tickets cost 77,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 3445-9650.

2011 Chris Botti Live in Seoul
Sejong Performing Arts Center*
Nov. 6

American trumpeter and composer Chris Botti is planning to hold his third performance in Korea and present his beautiful jazz melodies to Korean fans. Covering a wide range of genres from jazz to pop music, Botti has been establishing his fascinating and stunning music world as a jazz trumpeter since releasing his first album “First Wish” in 1995. Tickets cost 50,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3461-0976.

Pudditorium Concert “TRILOGIE, Play 1”
Seoul Arts Center*
Nov. 6, 7

After Kim Jung-bum, leader of jazz band “Pudding,” put out a solo project “Pudditorium,” he broadened his artistic realms as film music director, producer, artist and even performance director. He is planning to hold a trilogy concert after celebrating the release of his second album. Tickets cost 45,000 to 55,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2658-3546.

Lasse Lindh ― The Tiger With No Stripes Live 2011 in Korea
KT&G Sangsangmadang Live Hall
Nov. 4

Swedish singer songwriter Lasse Lindh is set to hold a concert, celebrating the recent release of his special edition album “The Tiger with No Stripes.” He has become well-known to Korean fans through his two pieces “C’mon Through” and “The Stuff,” featured in the hit Korean melodrama “Soulmate.” Lindh, who first met Korean fans at his first concert in 2006, has become more famous here as he moved to live in Seoul for a year to learn about Korean culture and music. Tickets cost 50,000 won. Located near exit 9 of Hongik Univ. Station on subway line 2. For more information, call (02) 324-3814.

Plays & Musicals

The Last Empress
Grand Theater, Chumgmu Art Hall
Through Nov. 20

“The Last Empress” is a portrayal of the fascinating life of Korea’s beloved Queen Min and her struggle to steer the hermit kingdom toward modernization. The musical portrays her close ties with Western nations to keep Japan at bay as it strives to take over her country, and her eventual demise at the sword of Japanese assassins. Tickets cost 40,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 2250-5900.

Looking for Family
Theater Blue in Chungmu Art Hall
Through Nov. 6

A new musical “Looking for Family” brings the story of two old ladies and three animals living in a rural area to the stage. The homegrown play portrays how they grow into a real family, sharing their sorrows and secrets. “Looking for Family” awakens the true sense of family. Tickets cost 30,000 won. Located near exit 9 of Sindang Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 2230-6601.

Mamma Mia!
D-Cube Arts Center
Through Feb. 26

Broadway hit musical “Mamma Mia!,” based on the songs of ABBA, is currently on stage as a Korean production. “Mamma Mia!” premiered in Korea in 2004 and has held more than 800 local performances, attracting more than a million viewers. Tickets cost 40,000 to 110,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Sindorim Station on subway line 1 or 2. For more information, call (02) 2211-3000.

Cats
Charlotte Theater
Through Dec. 31

Based on T. S. Eliot’s poems, the musical by Andrew Lloyd Webber portrays the feline world in an affectionate way. This year’s production cast three divas, singer Insooni, actresses Park Hae-mi and Hong Ji-min, as Grizabella the former Glamour Cat. Tickets cost 50,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Jamsil Station on subway line 2 or 8. For more, call 1577-3363.

Hamlet
Universal Art Center in Seoul
Through Dec. 17

Janek Ledecky, one of the most popular musicians in the Czech Republic, is better known as composer and writer of the rock opera “Hamlet.” The classic tale of revenge by William Shakespeare was reinterpreted through Ledecky’s composition. It is Ledecky’s third visit to Korea. He first came in 2007 when “Hamlet” premiered here and spent about a month in Korea in 2008, working with another local production of the musical. Tickets cost 40,000 to 100,000 won. Located near exit 4 of Achasan Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 6391-6333.

Dance

Mid-time Fantasy Dance Performance
The National Theater of Korea
Through Dec. 13

The National Theater of Korea is offering a weekly noon program introducing traditional dance performances every Tuesday. Eight different performances featured by the National Theater Company will be staged along with detailed explanations for audiences. Tickets cost 5,000 to 10,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Dong-guk Univ. Station on subway line 3. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114.

Teddybear & Swan Lake
Garden Five Art Hall
Through Nov. 6

“Teddybear & Swan Lake,” is a children’s ballet reinterpreting Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake with a teddy bear and various animal dolls. For this performance targeting children, professional ballet dancers put on each animal character’s mask and play their role on stage. The show also aims to introduce Tchaikovsky’s piece to a young audience in an easy and entertaining way, condensing the piece to a 50 minutes long version and inserting some dialogue and musical elements. Tickets cost 10,000 won. Located near exit 3 of Jangji Station on subway line 8. For more information, (02) 2157-1140.