Opera ‘Turandot’
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
(See ‘venues’ on right for more information)
Jan. 25-28
The Korea National Opera and Chinese National Center for the Performing Arts will offer a joint production of Puccini’s timeless opera “Turandot.” The beautiful but cold-hearted Princess Turandot is skeptical about love but Prince Calaf risks his life to win her heart. Tickets cost 30,000 to 150,000 won. For more information, call (02) 586-5282.
Rose Jang Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Feb. 17
Popera diva Rose Jang will hold a concert featuring what she calls “nouveau classics,” a more expansive interpretation of popera that includes Korean traditional songs such as the “Peace Song.” She will perform other favorites including “My Heart Will Go on” from the film “Titanic,” “O Mio Babbino Caro” from the opera “Gianni Schicchi” and “Habanera” from “Carmen,” among others with the Mostly Philharmonic Orchestra. Tickets cost 40,000 to 200,000 won. Call (02) 580-1300 for more information.
Im Jin-young Flute Recital
Kumho Art Hall
Feb. 7
Flautist Im Jin-youn will hold a recital with pianist Yoon Hyo-rin. The program will feature Bach’s “Sonata for Flute & Harpsichord Obbligato, BWV. 525” and Giannini’s “Sonata for Flute & Piano,” among others. Tickets cost 20,000 won. Located near exit 1 of Gwanghwamun Station on subway line 5. For more, call 1544-1555.
Sumi Jo & Academy Of Ancient Music
May 7
Star soprano Sumi Jo will offer the hallmarks of baroque music with Britain’s period music ensemble the Academy Of Ancient Music, under the direction of conductor Richard Egarr. The program features Handel’s “Concerto Grosso, Op. 3, No. 2” and “Sonata A5” among others. Tickets cost 50,000 to 250,000 won. Call (02) 741-1763 or 1577-5266 for more information.
Eugene Ugoroski Violin Recital
Feb. 19
Eugene Ugoroski, a young Russian-American violinist, will make his Asian recital debut in Korea. This budding player will perform Brahms works including “Scherzo in C minor” as well as Strauss’s “Sonata in E flat major.” Pianist Konstantin Lifschitz will accompany the violinist. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. Call (02) 599-5743 for more information.
Andras Schiff Piano Recital
Feb. 23
Andras Schiff will return to give a second recital in Korea with an all-Beethoven program. The artist is known for recording the composer’s complete sonatas and will perform “Sonata No. 30 in E major, Op. 109,” among others. Tickets cost 50,000 to 130,000 won. Call (02) 541-3183 for more information.
Youth Concert With Commentary
Aram Concert Hall, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex
Jan. 29-30
The 12th Youth Concert With Commentary will be held in time for schools’ winter vacation. The Camerata di Solisti Ensemble will perform Mozart’s “Serenade No. 13 in G-Dur, Kv. 525” and more on Jan. 29, and the IGNIS Ensemble will play Borodin’s “String Quartet No. 2 in D Major” among others on Jan. 30. Tickets cost 10,000 to 15,000 won. Call (02) 586-0945 for more information.
Tears of Heaven
Haeorum Theater, National Theater of Korea
Feb. 1-March 19
The new musical “Tears Of Heaven” will premiere after three years of preparation. About a love powerful enough to alter destinies and transcend the limits of time, the production features Kim Jun-su of JYJ and Broadway star Brad Little. Tickets cost 30,000 to 130,000 won. Located near exit 6 of Dongguk Univ. Station on subway line 3. Call (02) 501-7888 for more information.
Eric Clapton Live Concert
Gymnastics Stadium, Olympic Park*
Feb. 20
Singer-songwriter Eric Clapton will give his third concert tour in Korea, after a four-year hiatus. He will perform his major hits and numbers from his latest album “Clapton,” which includes a lineup of various styles ranging from R&B to country music. Tickets cost 60,000 to 180,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555 (Korean and English).
Santana Live Concert
Olympic Gymnasium, Olympic Park*
March 9
The Latin rock band led by guitar legend Carlos Santana will hold a concert in Korea — the first in 14 years. The band will perform its best-known hits as well as new tracks from its latest album “SuperNatural: Legacy Edition.” Also included in the program are songs by the Beatles, Rolling Stones and the Doors with a Santana-style twist. Tickets cost 132,000 to 165,000 won. Call (02) 3141-3488 or 1544-1555 for more information.
Steve Barakatt’s ‘Shall We Love’
March 13
Popular new age pianist and composer Steve Barakatt will hold a special concert, titled “Shall We Love” for White Day. He will present his well-known piano works such as “I’m Sorry” and “Flying,” among others. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. Call 1577-5266 for more information.
Iron Maiden Live Concert
March 10
British band Iron Maiden will perform in Korea as part of its world tour. These heavy metal rock pioneers are expected to give an electrifying performance amid a stunning lightshow. Tickets cost 99,000 won. Call (02) 3141-3488 for more information.
Ming & Qing Paintings
Special Exhibition Gallery, National Museum of Korea
Through Jan. 30
The National Museum of Korea presents an opportunity to examine trends in ancient Chinese paintings through its private collection. More than 100 paintings, including 86 undisclosed works, are displayed chronologically. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2077-9000.
ChangAm Lee Sam-man
Seoul Calligraphy Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through Feb. 27
ChangAm Lee Sam-man’s “Calligraphy History Special Exhibition 29” is showcasing about 150 calligraphy works by ChangAm and other related artists, including 100 undisclosed pieces. The exhibition is divided into five subthemes. Tickets cost 5,000 won for adults, 3,000 won for students and youths. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
Silk Road and Dunhuang
National Museum of Korea
Through April 3
The National Museum of Korea is holding a special exhibition “Silk Road and Dunhuang.” This exhibition offers the rare chance to see over 200 relics from the Silk Road region and the “Diary of a Journey to the Five Countries of India” which was written by Hyecho, a Buddhist monk of the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C.-A.D. 936). For more information, call (02) 2077-9271. The museum is located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4.
Special Exhibition of Versailles Palace
Hangaram Art Museum, Seoul Arts Center*
Through March 6
Supported by the French National Versailles Palace, this exhibition is designed to show the authentic relics that belonged to the French royal family, Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette. Admission is 6,000 to 8,000 won for children; 8,000 to 10,000 won for students; and 11,000 to 13,000 won for adults. For more information, visit www.versailles2010.co.kr.
David Benoit
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts*
Jan. 22
Jazz artist David Benoit will hold a concert in Korea after a four-year hiatus. The pianist will play his best loved songs, including “Waiting for Spring,” “Freedom At Midnight” and “Here’s To You, Charlie Brown.” Tickets cost 44,000 to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3143-5155.
Rachael Yamagata & Maximilian Hecker ‘The Duet’
Jan. 23
Two singer-songwriters, Rachael Yamagata and Maximilian Hecker, whose songs are widely known here through advertisements and TV dramas, will hold a double-bill concert. Tickets cost 55,000 to 88,000 won. Call (02) 3144-5155 or visit www.interpark.com for more information.
Yang Bang-ean ‘Neorama’
Ax Korea
Through Jan. 22
Crossover musician Yang Bang-ean will hold an audio-visual striking performance. The Korean-Japanese artist will perform his original soundtrack numbers to a display of artistic images. Tickets cost 44,000 to 99,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. For more information, call (02) 6352-6636.
‘Bravo! Jazz Life’ Concert
Jan. 28
Seven veteran musicians who paved the path for jazz in Korea and inspired the film “Bravo! Jazz Life,” will hold a special concert. They will perform “Whisper Not,” “It Don’t Mean a Thing” and other pieces that appeared on the film soundtrack. Tickets cost 44,000 to 77,000 won. Call (02) 6377-1250 for more information.
Taylor Swift
Feb. 11
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 the American Music Awards, Grammies and the Billboard Music Awards. Grace yourselves with something sweet, funky, cute and sexy with Swift in her first local show. Tickets cost from 88,000 won to 99,000 won. For more information, visit www.interpark.com.
Giovanni Mirabassi Trio with Spring
LG Art Center
March 5
The famous European jazz trio will hold a special concert. Pianist Giovanni Mirabassi, who recently released a new album “Live at the Blue Note Tokyo,” will stage a show with new members, bassist Gianluca Renzi and drummer Lukmil Perez Herrera. Tickets cost 15,000 to 70,000 won. Call (02)6352-6636 for more information.
The Whitest Boy Alive
V Hall, Hongik University
March 4-5
The stylish electronic rock band “The Whitest Boy Alive” will kick off its first live concert in Seoul. Including “1517” featured in the soundtrack of famous video game FIFA 10, this German-Norwegian group will play modern sounds from their albums that have garnered many fans all over the world. Tickets cost 77,000 won. For more information call (02) 563-0595.
Crazy Swan Lake I, II
Little Theater, Arko Art Center
Through Jan. 23
As part of an environmental project, Dance Theater Chang will stage “Crazy Swan Lake I, II” with disabled performance artist Kang Sung-guk. Choreographed by Kim Nam-jin, serious messages about the reckless destruction of nature will be expressed through a rather realistic array of body movements. Ticket costs 15,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. Call (02) 3668-0007 for more information.
Ballet ‘Giselle’
Feb. 24-27
The Korea National Ballet Company will stage the classic romantic ballet “Giselle,” nine years after staging it as a concert-style performance. Featuring choreography by Patrice Bart, the production will restore the 19th century romanticism of Paris. Tickets cost 10,000 to 100,000 won. Call (02) 587-6181 for more information.
Shen Yun Performing Arts
Aram Theater, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Complex*
Directed by leader Vina Lee, the Shen Yun Performing Arts presents a colorful classic Chinese dance performance to orchestral music. The program features the country’s numerous ethnic and folk style dances that date back 5,000 years set to the story of Falun Dafa in modern-day China. Tickets cost 50,000 to 300,000 won. For more information, call 1644-1390.
Headache: Passivity
Jan. 25-26
Dance Theater Chang will offer contemporary dance performances, choreographed by Kim Nam-jin, as part of an environmental project. The stages will feature stories about human beings’ helpless existence against the power of nature, and the greedy sides of people who only think the law of the jungle in society through rather outspoken ways. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station, subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 3668-0007.
Ballet, ‘Mermaid’
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
The Kim Sun-hee Ballet will stage an original version of “Mermaid,” featuring a 43-member orchestra. Fans can look forward to seeing the classic tale come to life, though with a twist, through ornate sets and costumes. Tickets cost 20,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3216-1185 or visit www.balletmermaid.com.
The Mission: Heaven on Earth
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Feb. 2-26
Based on the film featuring Ennio Morricone’s famous “Gabriel’s Oboe,” the musical will premiere under the direction of the Italian music director himself. In the 18th century, two missionaries embark on a spiritual journey through South America and learn to transcend religious, racial and ideological differences as they encounter the natives. Tickets cost 60,000 to 200,000 won. Call 1688-0721 for more information.
The Three Musketeers
Grand Theater, Chungmu Art Hall
M Musical Company is staging the Korean adaptation of “The Three Musketeers,” with Super Junior’s Kyu-hyun, singer Jay from Trax and veteran actors Um Ki-joon, Kim Moo-yeol and Yu Jun-sang. Tickets cost 40,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 9 and 10 of Sindang Station on subway line 6. Call (02) 747-5811 or visit www.musicalthreemusketeers.com.
Cafe-in
Baekam Art Hall
SS501 member Kim Hyung-joon makes his musical debut in the original romantic comedy that first hit the stage in 2008. The story follows the layered tale of a suave sommelier who pretends to be a geeky dating coach to a love-cynic barista, while also courting her as himself. Tickets start from 55,000 won. Located near exit 8 of Samseong Station, subway line 2.
www.baekamhall.com.