2010.7.7 TICKET
Vocalist Billy Cogan of the band Smashing Pumpkins comes to Korea for a concert on Aug. 14. See MUSIC, below. Provided by Access Entertainment
JAZZ VIRUS
Seoul Arts Center, Concert Hall
Sunday: This is the second concert by the Virus band after last year’s performance of “Beethoven Virus.” While the 2009 show focused on the classical genre, Sunday’s “Jazz Virus” mixes both jazz and classical music to appeal to a wider audience.
Saxophonist Danny Jung, jazz pianist Gwak Yoon-chan, popera tenor Kang Shin-ju, soprano Kang Hye-jung and many others will be performing. Also, composer Seo Hee-tae will host a lecture on the music to help the audience better appreciate both jazz and the classics.
The concert starts at 2:30 p.m.
Tickets range from 20,000 won ($16.35) to 70,000 won. A 50 percent discount on tickets will be offered to families of four or more people.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 6377-1250~4, www.sac.or.kr
BELGIAN BOYS CHOIR
Seoul Arts Center, Concert Hall
Sunday: The Schola Cantorum Cantate Domino, or Belgian Boys Choir, consists of students or graduates from Saint Martin’s Institute in Aalst.
Known the world over for their unique treble voices, the choir is celebrating its 51st year of existence this year. Their repertoire includes pieces from everyone from Bach to Stravinsky to Andrew Lloyd Webber.
The concert starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets range from 30,000 won to 70,000 won.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 6377-1250~4, www.sac.or.kr
LAUREL WIND ORCHESTRA
Seoul Arts Center, Concert Hall
July 14: The Laurel Wind Orchestra of Korea is holding a concert entitled “Slavyanskaya.”
The concert will include pieces by famous Russian composers such as Mikhail Glinka, Aleksandr Borodin and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
A highlight of the performance will be the orchestra’s interpretation of Tchaikovsky’s “Romeo and Juliet Fantasy Overture.”
The concert starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets range from 50,000 won to 100,000 won.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 6377-1250~4, www.sac.or.kr
KIOI SINFONIETTA TOKYO
Seoul Arts Center, Concert Hall
July 15: Young artists from Korea and Japan come together for this concert, conducted by Kentaro Kawase and featuring pianist Tae-Hyung Kim.
Kawase has studied under Junichi Hirokami and Chung Myung-whun and placed second in the Tokyo International Music Competition for conducting in 2006. Tae-Hyung Kim was named the New Artist of the Year by the Music Association of Korea in 2004, among other awards. The orchestra will play Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 in A major, Op. 92 and Kim will play Beethoven’s Coriolan Overture, Op. 62 and Piano Concerto No. 4 in G Major, Op. 58.
The concert starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 580-1300, www.sac.or.kr
SUMMER CLASSICS
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
July 30 to July 31: The Seoul Metropolitan Youth Orchestra is holding a series of concerts so that parents and children can enjoy time together listening to classical music as summer vacation season has started.
Announcer Oh Sang-jin will explain what instruments are being played, the history of the music performed and the proper etiquette to follow at concerts.
Starting time varies each day.
Tickets range from 5,000 won to 25,000 won.
Gyeongbokgung Station, line No 3, exit 6 or 7. Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 1 or 8
Smashing Pumpkins
Jamsil Stadium
Aug. 14: Smashing Pumpkins came out of Chicago in 1988 and went on to become one of the great alternative rock bands of the 1990s.
After breaking up in 2000, the band reformed with some new members in 2006.
Their most recent album, “Teargarden by Kaleidyscope,” was released in December and they are currently on tour to promote it.
This will be the band’s first visit to Korea in 10 years. Front man vocalist Billy Cogan, guitarist Jeff Schroder, bassist Nicole Fiorentino and newly joined drummer Mike Byrne will be performing.
The concert starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets range from 88,000 won to 99,000 won.
Jamsil Sports Complex Station, line No. 2, exit 6 or 7
1544-1555, http://ticket.interpark.com
LEONARD BERNSTEIN: YOUNG PEOPLE’S CONCERT
Seoul Arts Center
Aug. 18: To commemorate the 20th anniversary of Leonard Bernstein’s death, The Leonard Bernstein Office, Inc. is holding this concert in Korea to introduce Bernstein’s music to Korean young people. The conductor Seo Hee-tae, a music director of the MBC drama “Beethoven Virus,” will lead the concert.
The concert starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets range from 15,000 won to 45,000 won.
Nambu Bus Terminal Station, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 6377-1250, www.sac.or.kr
THEATER
CHILDREN AND MAGIC OPERA
Seoul Arts Center
To July 18: The first opera of the “My First Opera” series promoted by the Korea National Opera in 2010 targets families with children to enjoy opera together. The KNO incorporates cartoonish elements in the opera with animated characters to make opera more interesting and fun for youngsters.
Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. each day. There will be an additional performance at 3 p.m. on July 17.
Tickets range from 10,000 won to 50,000 won.
Nambu Bus Terminal, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 586-5282, www.nationalopera.org
GREASE
Times Square CGV Art Hall
To Aug. 29: This world-renowned musical with a 38-year history will be the first musical performed at Times Square, one of the biggest shopping complexes nationwide.
Kim San-ho, a rising star in the musical industry will play the tough greaser Danny. Kim has been playing that role since 2006 in various productions of the musical. Former model and musical newbie Lee Eun-hyung will alternate with Kim to play Danny.
Performance times vary.
Tickets range from 40,000 won to 70,000 won.
Yeongdeungpo Station, line No. 1, exit 3
(02) 501-7888, www.cgvarthall.com
FOOL FOR LOVE
SM Art Hall
To Sept. 12: Many famous actors including Kim Jung-hwa and Kim Hyo-jin have come together to put on this play.
Based on Sam Shepard’s 1983 “Fool for Love,” the play follows the relationship of two lovers, who happen to be half-siblings and the struggles they face.
The award-winning Cho Gwang-hwa will direct the play.
Performances begin at 8 p.m. on weekdays, at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Sundays. There are no performances on Mondays.
Ticket is 40,000 won.
Hyehwa Station, line No.4, exit 2
(02) 764-8760, http://ticket.interpark.com
RED SHOES
Mimagi Art Center
Monday to July 25: This performance reveals the conflict between individual needs and wants and the things society demands of us.
The main character Jung-hye, who wants to be noticed and loved, takes a trip wearing a pair of red shoes. In the course of her journey, she meets a variety of people who are greedy and vain. As she travels, she gains a better understanding of human nature and what she wants from life.
Starting time varies each day.
Tickets range from 15,000 won to 30,000 won.
Hyehwa Station, line No.4, exit 4
(02) 2636-4861, www.momggol.com
THE STORY OF MY LIFE
Dongsoong Art Center
Tuesday to Sept. 19: Adapted from Neil Bartram’s 2006 musical of the same name, “The Story of My Life” is coming to Korea for the first time. Popular musical actors Ryu Jung-han and Lee Suk-jun will appear as the main characters.
The musical tells the story of the friendship between two men from age six to 35. By exploring their friendship, the director will reveal the authentic and meaningful connections we make with others throughout our life.
Performances begin at 8 p.m. on weekdays, at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturdays and at 4 p.m. on Sundays. There will be no performances on Mondays.
Tickets range from 40,000 won to 60,000 won.
Hyehwa Station, line No. 4, exit 1
1588-5212, www.dsartcenter.co.kr
TRADITIONAL KOREAN PERFORMANCE
GREEN CONCERT
The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts
July 25: This performance features the mask dance “Gangryung Talchoom,” which originated from the Hwanghae region of Korea. The dance is famous for its elegant and delicate movements. It is listed as the 34th important intangible cultural heritage.
The concert starts at 8 p.m.
Tickets are free.
Nambu Bus Terminal, line No. 3, exit 5
(02) 580-3300, www.gugak.go.kr
CLICK INTO TRADITIONAL MUSIC
Sejong Center for the Performing Arts
Aug. 13: This performance incorporates seven different genres including Korean folk songs, Korean traditional dance, western music, trumpet performance and pop music. By mixing these various genres, the performers offer a fresh take on Korean traditional music that will appeal to both young and old alike.
The concert starts at 7 p.m.
Tickets range from 10,000 won to 20,000 won.
Gwanghwamun Station, line No. 5, exit 1 or 8
(02) 399-1181, www.sejongpac.or.kr
FESTIVALS
BUYEO SEODONG LOTUS FESTIVAL
Buyo, South Chungcheong
Today to July 19: Seodong was a prince of the Baekje Kingdom who became King Mu, the 30th monarch of the kingdom. The Seodong Lotus Festival is held around the Gungnamji Pond, which bears the legend of Seodong’s birth. Programs include a night parade, performances of traditional music and dance, experiences of Baekje culture and a photo contest against the backdrop of picturesque lotus blossoms.
From Seoul, take a bus to Buyo from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal.
(041) 830-2921, http://uccdaum.co.kr/buyeo
HAMYANG WILD GINSENG FESTIVAL
Hamyang, South Gyeongsang
July 23 to 27: Hamyang is a major production base of wild ginseng at the foot of Mount Jiri, and is particularly famous because the land is rich in germanium, a metalloid element. The festival’s offerings include academic symposiums, exhibitions and a marathon. Visitors can also tour a wild ginseng plantation and purchase herb and mud packs containing germanium.
From Seoul, take a bus to Hamyang from Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal.
(055) 960-5174, http://sansam.hygn.go.kr
HASO BAEKRYON WHITE LOTUS FESTIVAL
Gimje, North Jeolla
July 3 to Aug. 15: The Haso Baekryon (White Lotus) Festival offers various sights and activities near the 66,000-square-meter (710,420-square-foot) Baekryeonji Pond, where white lotuses will be in bloom. Visitors can watch performances of Korean traditional music and dance, participate in folk games, and view exhibitions of stone tiles, photos, calligraphy and Buddhist paintings. Visitors will also be able to taste and buy baekryon tea made of green tea and white lotus leaves.
From Seoul, take a bus to Kimje from Seoul Express Bus Terminal.
(063) 542-8943, www.baekryon.com
POHANG INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
Pohang, North Gyeongsang
July 23 to 26: Colorful fireworks will embroider the sky over Pohang in this festival. Fireworks companies from Canada, Poland, Japan and South Korea will display their products in the summer sky. Visitors can also attend performances of music and dance, a singing competition and movie screenings.
(054) 270-2114, http://festival.ipohang.org
*Event information is culled from the Korea Tourism Organization and other online sources.
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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