Concerts, museums and theater (2024)

Classical Concerts

Opera ‘La Boheme’
Towol Theater, Seoul Arts Center* (See ‘venues’ on right for more information)
Through Feb. 13

The Incheon Opera Group is staging “La Boheme,” one of Puccini’s signature works along with “Tosca” and “Madame Butterfly.” The Inseim Philharmonic Orchestra, under the conductor of the Cairo Symphony Orchestra, Marcello Mottadelli, and I Piccoli Junior Chorus enliven the colorful story about the poor yet passion-filled lives of artists in 1930s Paris. Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won. For more, call (02) 2659-4100.

My Love, My Valentine
Chamber Hall, Sejong Center For Performing Arts*
Feb. 13

The classical crossover artist Vimutti will hold a special Valentine’s Day concert with Prima Ensemble. The vocalist will sing his own lyrics to romantic melodies such as Chopin’s Nocturne No. 2 and Satie’s “Je te veux.” Call (02) 581-5404 for more information.

Rose Jang Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Feb. 17

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.

Seoul Philharmonic Masterpiece Series I
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Feb. 24
Jukka-Pekka Saraste, associate conductor of both the Oslo Philharmonic and WDR Sinfonieorchester Koln, will conduct the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra for Sibelius’ “Pohjola’s Daughter,” Prokofiev’s “Romeo & Juliet (Suite)” and Tchaikovsky’s “Symphony No. 5.” Tickets cost 10,000 to 60,000 won. Call 1588-1210 for more information.

Seoul National Symphony Orchestra’s Mahler Master Series
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Feb. 11

The Seoul National Symphony Orchestra will hold a concert for the 100th anniversary of the death of late-Romantic composer Gustav Mahler. Under the direction of conductor Kim Sang-jae, the ensemble will perform “Symphony No.5.” Call (02) 576-3332 for more information.

KBS Symphony Orchestra’s Master Series I
KBS Hall & Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
Feb. 24-25

Under the baton of Jonathan Schiffman, the KBS Symphony Orchestra will hold concerts at the KBS Hall on Feb. 24 and at the Seoul Arts Center the following day. Up-and-coming violinist Stefan Jackiw will perform Mendelssohn’s “Violin Concerto in E minor, Op. 64.” Tickets cost 20,000 to 55,000 won. For more information call (02) 781-2241.

El Sistema II
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
March 27

The Caracas Youth Orchestra from Venezuela will hold a concert under the direction of conductor Christian Vasquez. El Sistema is a musical education program that has inspired thousands of children around the world, and the concert will feature Saint Saens’“Symphony No. 3” and Shostakovich’s “Symphony No. 10.” Tickets cost 30,000 to 100,000 won.

Eugene Ugoroski Violin Recital
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
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
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
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.

Steve Barakatt’s ‘Shall We Love’
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
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.

Metropolitan Opera’s ‘Das Rheingold’
Hoam Art Hall
March 18-20
Playwright Robert Lepage directs Wagner’s great epic dramas in “Das Rheingold,” and local fans can enjoy the opera straight from the New York Metropolitan Opera though “The Met: Live in HD” series. Lepage’s production team offers high-resolution digital screening and stereophonic sound as well as Korean subtitles. Also featured is a backstage tour and interviews with artists during the intermission. For more information call (02) 751-9607.

Big Tickets

Varekai, Cirque du Soleil
Big Top Theater, Jamsil Stadium
April 6-open run

The 5th series of Cirque du Soleil’s “Varekai” will be performed with more vivid stage effects, music and stories of Icarus from Greek mythology. This exotic fusion of drama and acrobatics consist of 14 circus shows that go beyond our expectations. Tickets cost 60,000 to 220,000 won. Located near exit 5 and 6 of Sports Complex Station on subway line 2. For more information call (02) 541-6235.

Sumi Jo & Academy Of Ancient Music
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
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.

Musical ‘Tears of Heaven’
Haeorum Theater, National Theater of Korea
Through 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.

The Eagles Live Concert
Olympic Stadium, Olympic Park*
March 15

Four of the original members of legendary rock band The Eagles will bring its “Long Road Out of Eden” tour to Korea for the first time. They will demonstrate the unfading power of their hit songs, including “Hotel California,” “Desperado” and “Take It Easy.” Tickets cost 99,000 to 330,000 won.

Museums

The Rabbit, an Animal of Wisdom
National Museum of Korea
Through Feb. 27

Welcoming the Year of the Rabbit, the National Museum of Korea is holding an exhibition on the significance of the rabbit in modern-day Korean culture. Located near exit 2 of Ichon Station on subway line 4. For more information call (02) 2077-9483.

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.

Pop & Jazz

Iron Maiden Live Concert
Olympic Gymnasium, Olympic Park*
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.

Angelique Kidjo
LG Art Center
March 13

Grammy Award-winning artist Angelique Kidjo will hold a concert in Korea. Born in Benin, West Africa, Kidjo is truly one of Africa’s most powerful and charismatic stars. This premier diva will showcase her driving dance rhythms and passionate political lyrics. Tickets cost 30,000 to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.

Corinne Bailey Rae Live Concert
Ax-Korea
March 10

Corinne Bailey Rae, a British R&B singer-songwriter who shot to stardom in 2006 with her debut album “Corinne Bailey Rae,” will hold her first solo concert in Korea, keeping a promise she made to fans at the Jisan Valley Rock Festival last year. Located near exit 2 of Gwangnaru Station on subway line 5. Tickets cost 110,000 won. Call 1544-1555 for more information.

Fourplay
Concert Hall, Seoul Arts Center*
March 2

Jazz band Fourplay will hold its 20th anniversary concert in Seoul. The band will perform its most-loved songs as well as main tracks from its recent album “Let’s Touch the Sky,” including “3rd Degree” and “I’ll Still Be Lovin’ You.” Two vocalists, 2003 American Idol winner Ruben Studdard and R&B diva Anita Bakere, will appear as guest artists. Tickets cost 77, 000 to 132,000 won.

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.

Dance

Ballet ‘Giselle’
Opera Theater, Seoul Arts Center*
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.

The Time for Drunken Horses
March 5-6
Arko Art Theater

Dance Company The Body will stage a contemporary dance performance that was selected as the best of 2009 by the Hankook Performing Arts Center (HANPAC). Tickets cost 10,000 won. Located near exit 2 of Hyehwa Station on subway line 4. For more information, call (02) 2263-4680.
The Mission: Heaven on Earth
Grand Theater, Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Through Feb. 26

Based on the film featuring Ennio Morricone’s famous “Gabriel’s Oboe,” the musical is premiered 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.

Musicals

The Count of Monte Cristo
Grand Theater, Chungmu Art Hall
March 1-April 24

Frank Wildhorn’s musical “The Count of Monte Cristo” will return to the stage with a star-studded cast. Celebrated musical stars Ryu Jung-han, Shin Sung-rok, Um Ki-joon, Cha Ji-yeon and newcomer Choi Hyun-ju will perform in the Korean rendition. Tickets cost 50,000 to 120,000 won. Located near exit 9, 10 of Shindang Station on subway line 6. For more information, call (02) 6391-6333.

Gwanghwamun Younga (Love Song)
Grand Theater, Sejong Center For Performing Arts*
March 20 - April 10

This masterpiece composed by the late composer Lee Young-hoon who made “Old Love” and “Gwanghwamun Sonata” is a brilliant creation brought by Korea’s best creative team including Yoon Do-hyun Band and 24 top actors. The heart-aching love story between three lovers reverberates in Lee’s jewel-like hits. Tickets cost 30,000 to 130,000 won. For more information call 1544-1555.