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| A scene from Giuseppe Verdi’s “Macbeth” (Sejong Center) |
“Macbeth Opera”: The Sejong Center is gearing up to host its latest opera production, Verdi’s operatic rendition of the Shakespeare classic “Macbeth.” Verdi’s rendition of the Shakespearean tragedy is often hailed as the best of the composer’s earliest works, expressing the cruelties and ambitions of humans through a powerful score. The production will star baritones Yang June-mo and Kim Tae-hyun as Macbeth; and sopranos Oh Mi-seon and Jung Joo-hei as Lady Macbeth. Sung in its original Italian libretto, the upcoming four-act “Macbeth” opera will have subtitles in both Korean and English. The show will be staged at the Sejong Center’s Grand Theater in Seoul from Nov. 24 to 27. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr.
"The Paris Boys Choir": World renowned all-male youth choir The Paris Boys Choir is returning to Korea with a nationwide tour. Just in time for the Christmas season, the members of the young choir will perform across the nation throughout December with concerts in Busan, Yongin, Ulsan, Gimpo and Seoul. The choir will also perform special Christmas concerts in Seoul on Dec. 17 and 18 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall. Tickets range from 33,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, call 02-597-9870.
“Chung Kyung-wha: Bach”: Chung Kyung-wha needs no introduction as one of Korea’s most recognized and highly regarded musicians. She began playing the violin at the age of 6 and was immediately recognized as a child prodigy. She made her concert debut at the tender age of 9 with the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra, performing the Mendelssohn Violin Concerto. At 13, Chung enrolled at The Juilliard School in New York City and began studying with masters Ivan Galamian and Joseph Szigeti. Chung’s upcoming concert recital will be entirely dedicated to the works of Bach. The performance will be held at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall on Nov. 19 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 150,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266.
“Clara-Jumi Kang & Son Yeol-eum”: Critically acclaimed Korean violinist Clara-Jumi Kang and pianist Son Yeol-eum will hold a duo concert presenting Brahms and Schumann pieces at the Seoul Arts Center on Nov. 17 at 8 p.m. Born in Germany, Kang is an award-winning violinist who has performed with world-class composers and chamber musicians, including Chung Myung-whun, Gidon Kremer and Jian Wang. Born and raised in Korea, Son first gained international recognition when she was chosen as the soloist for New York Philharmonic’s Asia tour in 2004. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (070) 8879-8485.
Pop Music
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| A poster for singer Ailee’s concert “Welcome Home” (Shownote) |
“Ailee – Welcome Home”: Korean-American pop diva Ailee is holding a year-end concert on Dec. 24 and 25 at 6 p.m. at Kyunghee University. The 27-year-old, who debuted in 2012, is known for her powerful vocals and energetic stage performances. The genres of her songs range from K-pop to ballad, rhythm and blues and electropop. Past hits include “U&I,” “Singing Got Better,” “Mind Your Own Business” and “Goodbye My Love.” Ailee was invited as a VIP guest to perform at a pre-Grammy party for the 55th Grammy Awards in 2013 in Los Angeles. Ticket prices range from 88,000 won to 121,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.
“Tycho”: Up-and-coming electronic band Tycho will perform at Seoul’s Hyundai Card Understage concert hall on Jan. 14, 2017 at 7 p.m. An American ambient music group led by Scott Hansen -- its primary composer -- Tycho’s music has been described as a combination of downtempo vintage-style synthesizers and moody melodies. Tycho incorporates many organic and human elements into its tunes, including simple talking or even breathing. Active since 2002, the group’s most recent album is “Epoch,” released this year. Tickets are available at 66,000 won.
“Kim Bum-soo”: Balladeer Kim Bum-soo will be holding a Christmas concert on Dec. 24 and 25 at the Busan BEXCO Auditorium and Dec. 30-31 at Olympic Park’s Olympic Hall in Seoul. The singer will perform hits, including “I Miss You,” “Once Upon a Day,” “Passing” and “Promise,” along with covers of classic K-pop songs. Music director Don Spike will also feature in the concert, bringing to the stage robust brass sounds to accompany Kim’s vocals. Kim, who debuted in 1999, was one of the first Korean singers to make a mark in the US music charts. His ballad “Hello Goodbye Hello” ranked 51st in the US Billboard Hot 100 in 2001. Tickets range from 99,000 won to 132,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.
“Two Door Cinema Club”: Two Door Cinema Club will be in Korea for a concert at the Yes 24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on Jan. 7 at 6 p.m. The three-member Irish indie rock band from Bangor, Donaghadee, County Down in Northern Ireland, was formed in 2007. Since then, the band has come to be known for its trendy post-punk revival tunes, breaking through with its debut album “Tourist History” in 2010. Its recent albums “Changing of the Seasons” and “Gameshow” have also garnered international acclaim, with their songs featured in numerous commercials and films. Tickets are available at 120,000 won at ticket.interpark.com.
Dance
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| Members of UBIN Dance (Official Facebook) |
“Soul, Sunflower”: The National Dance Company of Korea will showcase “Soul, Sunflower” at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, from Nov. 18-20. Celebrating the 10th anniversary of its premiere, the piece balances the Western influence of German jazz with a powerful performance of traditional Korean shamanic dance, salpuri. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. on Friday, and at 3 p.m. over the weekend. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won, and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call 1544-1555.
“Seoul International Choreography Festival”: The 25th Seoul International Choreography Festival will take place at the Arko Arts Theater in Dongsung-dong, Seoul, from Dec. 1-8. Launched in 1992, the annual event was founded to introduce Korean modern dance to the world. This year’s festival will bring together performance artists from across the globe, including Korea, Finland, Japan and the US. Tickets are 20,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (02) 2263-4680.
“Macbeth”: UBIN Dance will be presenting the Shakespearean classic “Macbeth” at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul, from Dec. 13-14. Divided into three acts, the company will present its rendition of the timeless tragedy that reveals much about the human greed for power. The performance will begin at 4 p.m. on both days. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 50,000 won, and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (010) 3129-4243.
“The Nutcracker”: The Universal Ballet will perform the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul from Dec. 16-31. Originally choreographed by Petipa and Ivanov, the two-act ballet features score by the legendary composer Tchaikovsky. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 100,000 won, and are available at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call 154-1555.
Exhibitions
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| “Carnaby” by Per Lutken for Holmegaard Glassworks (Michael Whiteway) |
“Reflections”: Korean installation artist Kim Seung-young will be holding a solo exhibition at the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in Anguk-dong, Seoul, from Nov. 11 until Dec. 16. With a special focus on understanding the human psyche, the modern art exhibition aims to express both personal and societal shortcomings and pain through 3-D pieces. For more information, visit www.savinamuseum.com.
“Wallpaper +”: Print Bakery, a gallery run by Korean auction house Seoul Auction, is holding a special exhibition of print art by contemporary designer Chang Eung-bok at its flagship store in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, until Nov. 13. The collection features the artist’s modern take on traditional Korean lifestyles using various textiles and patterns. For more information, visit www.printbakery.com.
“Denmark:Design”: In collaboration with Design Museum Denmark, Seoul Arts Center is showcasing some of the most understated, yet eye-catching works of everyday household items by leading Danish designers and brands, including Hans. Wegner, Vitra, Bang & Olufsen and Finn Juhl. The exhibition runs until Nov. 20. Tickets are 10,000 won for adults, and range from 5,000 won to 8,000 won for children. For more information, visit www.sac.or.kr.
“Archive of Mind”: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is hosting artist Kim Soo-ja’s solo show as part of its annual exhibition program sponsored by Hyundai Motor Co. The exhibition showcases latest works by Kim, including site-specific installations, videos, sculptures and photos that explore the body and the mind. The exhibition runs until Feb. 5, 2017 at Gallery 5 and the museum’s courtyard. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr.
“The Parliament of Possibilities”: Danish-Icelandic installation artist Olafur Eliasson is holding a solo exhibition at Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art in Seoul. An experimental artist who works with a wide range of elements and concepts, Eliasson presents 22 works at the exhibition, including “Moss wall,” made with moss from Iceland, and “Your unpredictable path,” a glass sculpture made from more than 1,000 spheres. The exhibition runs until Feb. 26, 2017. Tickets are 8,000 won for adults, and 4,000 won for children. For more information, visit www.leeum.samsungfoundation.org.
“David LaChapelle: Inscape of Beauty”: American photographer David LaChapelle will be holding a solo exhibition at the Ara Modern Museum in Insa-dong, Seoul. Throughout his career, he has captured iconic images of global pop idols, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Angelina Jolie, Kanye West, and countless others. The 53-year-old photographer is also best known for his surrealist pieces that present human nature in fantasy-like environments. The exhibition will run from Nov. 19 until Feb. 26. Tickets are 12,000 won for adults, and range from 8,000 won to 10,000 won for students. For more information, visit www.aramuseum.org.
“Yoo Young-kuk”: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Deoksugung, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of the late Korean artist Yoo Young-kuk. Born in 1916, Yoo paved the way for modern art in Korea. The exhibition runs until March 1, 2017. It features some of Yoo’s iconic pieces defined by his abstract interpretations of nature. Tickets cost 3,000 won. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr.
“Nick Knight:Image”: British photographer Nick Knight is holding his first Seoul exhibition at Daelim Museum. Best known for his collaborations with leading design icons, including Alexander McQueen, Christian Dior and Yves Saint Laurent, Knight is showcasing some never-before-seen photographs and digital images from over the years. The exhibition runs until March 26, 2017. Tickets are 5,000 won for adults, and range from 2,000 won to 3,000 won for children. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org.
Theater
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| A scene from the musical “Phantom” (EMK Musical Company) |
“Aida”: The theater brainchild of Elton John and Tim Rice is returning to the Seoul stage. It has grossed more than 35 billion won and been seen by 49 million theatergoers so far. The Grammy Award and five-time Tony Award winning musical is based on the eponymous opera by Giuseppe Verdi and stands as one of Broadway’s most successful productions. This year’s musical will star Yoon Gong-ju, Jang Eun-ah, Kim Woo-hyung and Min Woo-hyuk. “Aida” will be staged at Charlotte Theater until March 11. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 02-1644-0078.
“Phantom”: Not to be confused with Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Broadway smash hit production “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Phantom” is a musical with music and lyrics by Maury Yeston and based on the novel by Arthur Kopit. The musical’s storyline is often billed as the hidden and untold story of the infamous opera ghost. The Korean rendition of the musical will star Park Eun-tae, Park Hyo-shin and Jeon Dong-suk. “Phantom” will be staged at the Blue Square theater in Seoul from Nov. 26 to Feb. 26. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-6478.
“Monte Cristo”: Edmund Dantes, a promising young sailor, is awaiting his wedding with the beautiful Mercedes, but he is suddenly falsely accused and arrested for conspiracy by the dastardly Mondeo, who is secretly in love with the fair Mercedes. The musical rendition of the famed literary tale of “Monte Cristo” will be held at the Chungmu Art Hall’s Grand Theater in Seoul from Nov. 19 to Feb. 12. It will star Ryu Jeong-han, Um Ki-jun, Kai, Shin Sung-rok. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-6478.
“Mr. Show”: By renowned musical director Kolleen Park, the naughty male striptease show “Mr. Show” is returning to the stage this year. The women-only variety show features strapping young men who dance and perform various themed acts geared toward tantalizing females. The live show -- only for those 19 and above -- will be staged until Dec. 4 at the Shinhan Card Fan Square’s Live Hall in Seoul. Tickets are 52,000 won and 80,000 won. For more details, call (02) 547-5694.
“Kinky Boots”: The hit Broadway musical “Kinky Boots” is making its way to Seoul again. Based on the book by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein and with music and lyrics by Tony, Emmy and Grammy-winner Cyndi Lauper, the musical tells the true story of Charlie Price who goes to oddly extreme lengths to save his father’s shoe factory. The local production will star Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Ho-young, Jung Seong-hwa and Kang Jong-seok. “Kinky Boots” will be staged until Nov. 13 at Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.