Calendar

Dance

“Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness”: Universal Ballet Korea will kick off 2015 with Nacho Duato’s “Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness.” The 1999 ballet is one of the choreographer’s best-known works and landed him the prestigious Benois de la Dance prize. As a homage to one of classical music’s greatest, Johann Sebastian Bach, the two-act ballet tells the story of Bach’s life by combining both baroque music and modern choreography. “Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness” will be performed at the LG Arts Center in Seoul from March 19-22. For more information, visit www.universalballet.com.

A scene from “Multiplicity. Forms of Silence and Emptiness”(Universal Ballet Korea)

“Giselle”: The Korean National Ballet will be kicking off its 2015 season with “Giselle,” one of the ballet world’s most classic and beloved tales of love and heartbreak. “Giselle” is one of the most frequently performed and haunting ballet masterpieces of the Romantic era, touching upon human emotions including happiness, love, heartache, pain and forgiveness. Giselle is an emotionally and physically fragile village girl who falls hopelessly in love with her prince charming. Her world is shattered when she finds out she was not the only woman in the man’s life. The KNB’s production of “Giselle” will be held at the Seoul Arts Center from March 25-29. For more information, visit www.kballet.org.

“Taming of the Shrew”: The ballet rendition of William Shakespeare’s iconic comedy “Taming of the Shrew” will be restaged by the Korean National Ballet. The plot follows the story of the less-than-desirable Katherina ― “the shrew” ― who frightens away potential suitors, while her younger and far more desirable sister must halt her search for a husband until her sister is married off. The two-act ballet will be performed from April 29 to May 3 at Seoul Arts Center. For more information, visit www.kballet.org.

Pop Music

Bobby McFerrin: Bobby McFerrin, a ten-time Grammy Award winning jazz and classical vocalist and conductor, is returning to Korea for two solo concerts on March 10-11 at LG Arts Center in Seoul. He will sing songs from his latest album ‘Spirityouall’ as well as some of his hit songs including “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Tickets cost 40,000 to 130,000 won. For details, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

Bobby McFerrin (LG Arts Center)

Michael Buble: International vocal sensation Michael Buble will be coming to Seoul for his first concert in Korea after debuting more than a decade ago. The Canadian is one of the most famous contemporary jazz vocalists, and attained worldwide stardom after the release of his chart-topping 2005 album “It’s Time,” featuring the popular singles “Home” and “Save the Last Dance for Me.” Buble has landed himself nine Grammy Awards nominations and four wins. His most recent album, “To Be Loved,” was released in April and won him a Grammy this year for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album. The soloist be performing live on Feb. 4 at the Indoor Stadium at Jamsil Sports Complex. Ticket prices range from 99,000 won to 253,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Ed Sheeran: Up-and-coming English singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran is making waves in the music industry as one of the decade’s notable breakthrough artists. In 2011 he released his debut album, “ ,” which went certified quintuple platinum in the U.K. The album featured the hit singles “The A Team” and “Lego House” and helped him snag the Best British Male Solo Artist and British Breakthrough Act awards at the 2012 Brit Awards. Earlier this year he released his second album, “X,” and landed himself a Grammy nod for Best New Artist. Sheeran will be performing his first concert in Korea on March 8 at Seoul Olympic Park’s SK Olympic Handball Stadium. Ticket prices are listed at 121,000 won and 143,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Naturally 7 Live in Korea”: Naturally 7 is an American seven-member male a cappella group that performs a style which the members refer to as “vocal play” ― mimicking instruments with their voices. The group formed in 1999 in New York City but remained relatively unknown before it caught a break, being selected as the opening act for Michael Buble’s ongoing Crazy Love Tour. Naturally 7 will be performing live in Seoul at Blue Square in Yongsan-gu on March 4. Ticket prices range from 77,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Christina Perri The Head of Heart Tour in Seoul”: Christian Perri is an American singer-songwriter known for her 2010 debut single “Jar of Hearts.” The song appeared on the popular dancing reality show “So You Think You Can Dance,” and went on to sell more than 3 million copies worldwide. A year later she released her debut album “Lovestrong” and went on to release her hit single “A Thousand Years.” The song was featured in the Blockbuster film “Breaking Dawn Part 2” of the Twilight Saga. “A Thousand Years” went quadruple platinum. Last year Perri released her second studio album, “Head or Heart.” The singer-songwriter will be giving a special performance, which includes a meet-and-greet session for VIP ticket holders, on March 10. General standing ticket prices are listed at 99,000 won with VIP tickets listed at 154,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Classical Music

Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra: The Berlin Radio Symphony Orchestra (Rundfunk-Sinfonieorchester Berlin, RSB), the oldest active radio orchestra in Germany, founded in 1923, will perform at Seoul Arts Center on March 13. Under the baton of polish conductor Marek Janowski, they will perform Weber’s “Oberon Overture,” Sibelius’ “Violin Concerto” and Brahms’ “Symphony No. 2.” Famed German violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann will join the concert as soloist. Tickets cost 50,000 to 240,000 won. For more information, call (02) 599-5743 or visit www.vincero.co.kr.

Conductor Marek Janowski (left) and violinist Frank Peter Zimmermann (Vincero)

“Woonyoung, A Court Lady”: The Seoul Opera Ensemble will premiere “Woonyoung, A Court Lady,” an original Korean opera and tragic love story, at the National Theater of Korea in Seoul on Feb. 14 and 15. The opera is a modern take on the ancient Korean novel “The Story of Woonyoung” and inspired by a prominent painting from the Joseon era called “Mongyudowondo,” with music written by up-and-coming composer Lee Geun-hyung. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For details, call (02) 741-7389.

Novus Quartet: String quartet Novus Quartet, winner of the 2014 International Mozart Competition, and the Korean Symphony Orchestra will be performing a joint concert at Seoul Art Center on Feb. 7 at 8 p.m. They will be delivering renditions of Weber’s “Euryanthe,” Brahms’ Double Concerto for Violin, Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante and Spohr’s Concerto for String Quartet under the direction of conductor Choi Soo-yeoul, apprentice to famed conductor Chung Myung-whun. Prices range from 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For details, call (02) 716-3316.

The Sixteen: The Sixteen, a U.K.-based choral ensemble famous for performing early music and baroque masterpieces, is coming to Korea for its first concert. Accompanied by its founder and conductor Harry Christophers, the group will perform a wide repertoire, extending from 16th-century Italian composers Palestrina and Allegri to contemporary James McMillan. The concert will take place on March 13 at LG Arts Center. Ticket starts from 40,000 won. For details, visit www.lgart.com

Korea Symphony Orchestra: Conductor Lim Hun-joung and Korea Symphony Orchestra will perform masterpieces of Mozart and Bruckner on Feb. 26 at Seoul Arts Center, with pianist Kim Tae-hyung as soloist. The program consists of Mozart’s Symphony No.36 in C Major, K.425, “Linz,” and Bruckner’s Symphony No. 6 in A Major, WAB 106. Tickets cost 20,000 to 50,000 won. For details, visit www.sacticket.co.kr

“2015 International Pianist Series”: Kumho Art Hall is hosting a series of recitals starring celebrated pianists from around the world. On March 19, it will present the promising young French pianist Lise de la Salle. Tickets are available at 30,000 won or 40,000 won with discounts for students. For inquiries and reservations, call (02) 6303-1977.

Steve Barakatt & Herald Philharmonic: New age composer and pianist Steve Barakatt will present his symphonic work “Ad Vitam Aeternam” to Seoul audiences on March 8 at Seoul Arts Center. Accompanied by the Herald Philharmonic Orchestra and its conductor Kim Bong-mee, the Canadian musician will also play some of his greatest hits, such as “Rainbow Bridge” and “Flying.” The concert will start at 5 p.m. at the Concert Hall of Seoul Art Center. Ticket prices start from 40,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300.

Gustavo Dudamel & LA Philharmonic: Gustavo Dudamel, one of the most sought-after conductors, will lead the LA Philharmonic Orchestra in two Seoul concerts in March. They will perform at Seoul Arts Center’s Concert Hall on March 25 and 26. The program consists of Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 6 in A minor, John Adams’ “City Noir” and Antonin Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 340,000 won. For more information, call (02) 6303-1977 or visit www.sac.or.kr.

Exhibition

“Millet, Barbizon and Fontainebleau”: Four masterpieces of Jean-Francois Millet depicting farmers and shepherds will be on view in Seoul for the first time. The touring exhibition started in Boston and stopped through Japan before arriving in Seoul on Jan. 23 with 64 paintings, including major works of Millet and his contemporaries of the Barbizon School, the critical art movement that bridged realism and impressionism. The exhibition runs from Jan. 23 to May 10 at Soma Museum in Seoul. Admission is 14,000 won for adults, 10,000 won for teenagers and 8,000 won for children. For more information, visit www.milletseoul.com or call 1588-2618.

Harvesters Resting (Ruth and Boaz) by Jean-Francois Millet (MFA, Boston)

“Polar Heir”: Photographer Han Sung-pil is holding a solo exhibition on human exploitation in the Arctic and Antarctica. On display are pictures he took during trips to the North and South Poles from 2013 to 2014, especially to places where early European explorers settled and competed to extract natural resources or catch whales. The exhibition runs through Feb. 22 at Arario Gallery in Jongno-gu, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 541-5701.

“Young Korean Artists 2014”: The Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is holding an exhibition showcasing young artists whose work reflects the ironies of today’s society. On view are experimental installations, videos and paintings by eight emerging artists in their 20s and 30s. The exhibition runs through March 29 at the Gwacheon branch of the MMCA. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr.

“Pompeii: Culture of the Ancient Roman City”: The National Museum of Korea is presenting the special exhibition “Pompeii: Culture of the Ancient Roman City” until April 5. On display are some 300 sculptures, accessories, frescoes and casts that vividly capture the daily lives of Pompeii’s citizens before the tragic eruption of Mount Vesuvius on Aug. 24, A.D. 79. Admission is 13,000 won for adults; 11,000 won for middle school, high school and university students; 8,000 won for elementary school students; and 5,000 won for preschoolers. The museum is closed on Mondays. For more information, visit www.museum.go.kr.

Festivals

Mount Taebaeksan Snow Festival: The festival invites tourists to the winter wonderland of Korea, Taebaek in Gangwon Province. Mount Taebaeksan, well-known for its beautiful snow-covered trees, has been the venue for the annual winter festival, which runs from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1. Visitors can see an ice sculpture exhibition, travel photo display and Korean winter folk plays. The festival will also include a winter trekking competition on Feb. 1 on two mountain courses (9.3 kilometers and 8.7 kilometers). The trekking event starts at 8:30 a.m. on the last day of the festival. For more information, visit festival.taebaek.go.kr (Korean only).

Crowds gather to see ice sculptures at the Mount Taebaeksan Snow Festival last year. (Yonhap)

Paju Trout Festival: For those looking for a winter festival close to Seoul, Paju Trout Festival may be an option. The festival presents popular winter activities such as ice trout fishing, catching fish by hand, snow and ice sledding, and more until Feb. 8. The entrance fee is 15,000 won for teenagers and adults and 12,000 won for children and elementary school students. The ice-fishing venue is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The festival can be reached by bus from Seoul Station or subway. For more information, visit www.pjtf.co.kr (Korean only).

Pyeongchang Trout Festival: Named one of the top 20 winter festivals in Korea by the Korea Tourism Organization, this festival is being held in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, the host town of the 2018 Winter Olympics, until Feb. 8. The festival is underway along Odaecheon Stream, known for its abundance of trout. Visitors can ice fish and eat trout sashimi or roast it on the spot. Additional activities include barehanded trout catching, ice-skating, ice ATVs rides and snow rafting. For more information, visit festival700.or.kr (Korean only).

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival: This festival is one of the most popular winter festivals in Korea, offering diverse winter activities such as ice fishing, ice sledding, ice soccer, curling and ice hockey. The festival takes place in the scenic mountain town of Hwacheon, Gangwon Province, from Jan. 10 to Feb. 1. The lake for fishing can accommodate up to 8,000 visitors a day. The festival runs a separate fishing zone for children and foreign tourists traveling in groups. The admission is 12,000 won for adults and teenagers, and 8,000 won for children and the elderly. For more information, visit www.narafestival.com (English available).

Theater

“The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly”: Based on a best-selling children’s book by Hwang Sun-mi, the musical “The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly” centers on a hen named Sprout who lives on a chicken farm. Sprout’s dream is to hatch her own eggs and become a mother, rather than seeing her eggs being sold to the market every morning. One day, she successfully runs away from the farm and starts her own adventure, where she learns about life, hardship, love and family. “The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly” runs through March 1 at Daehangno Arts Theater, near Hyehwa Station. Ticket prices range from 35,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 762-0010. 

Cast members rehearse for the musical “The Hen Who Dreamed She Could Fly.” (EDA Entertainment)

“Notre-Dame de Paris”: The original French production of the famous musical “Notre-Dame de Paris” is now touring Korea, marking the 10th anniversary of the show’s Korean premiere in 2006. Based on French writer Victor Hugo’s popular novel “The Hunchback of Notre-Dame,” the musical tells the story of Quasimodo, a deformed hunchback who dwells within Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and falls in love with the beautiful gypsy dancer Esmeralda. The Seoul run opens on Jan. 15 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts. For details, call (02) 749-9037.

“Harold and Maude”: The Korean production of this American romantic dark comedy directed by Hal Ashby stars actor Kang Ha-neul, who is making his stage debut as the 19-year-old Harold. The play is a love story about Harold, who is obsessed with death, and an 80-year-old woman named Maude, played by veteran actress Park Jung-ja, who teaches Harold about living life to the fullest. The play runs through March 1 at the National Theater of Korea’s Daloreum Theater. Tickets prices range from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. For details, call (02) 6925-5600.

“Forty Carats”: The Tony Award-winning play “Forty Carats” is American playwright Jay Allen’s adaptation of the original French comedy by Pierre Barillet and Jean-Pierre Gredy. The play centers on the 40-year-old divorcee Ann Stanley, who goes on a vacation by herself to Greece and meets the man of her dreams ― an attractive, rich and intelligent American, Peter Latham, a 22-year-old steel heir. The play runs through Feb. 8 at Yegreen Theater, near Hyehwa Station. Tickets are 30,000 won. For details, call (02) 532-5601.

“Educating Rita”: The Korean production of the British theatrical play “Educating Rita” by playwright Willy Russell stars popular actress Gong Hyo-jin and Kang Hye-jung, both as the protagonist Rita. The play focuses on Rita, a young hairdresser, who decides to complete her education. It is at the Open University where she meets Frank, a middle-aged university lecturer, who provides her with new insights into life. “Educating Rita” runs through Feb. 1 at Daemyung Culture Factory near Hyehwa Station. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. For details, call (02) 3672-0900.

“Melodrama”: Popular playwright and director Jang Yoo-jeong, known for the musical-turned-film “Finding Mr. Destiny,” a box office hit in 2010, returns to the stage with her directorial debut, “Melodrama.” The play, starring actor Park Won-sang and actress Hong Eun-hee, searches for the meaning of love through the story of two couples who are having affairs. “Melodrama” runs through Feb. 15 at Jayu Theater at Seoul Arts Center, southern Seoul. Tickets are 35,000 won and 50,000 won. For details, call (02) 762-0010 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

“Gone with the Wind”: The Korean production of the French musical “Gone with the Wind” raised its curtains on Jan. 9 at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul. Based on Margaret Mitchell’s novel of the same name and its 1939 film adaptation, the musical premiered in Paris in 2003. The ongoing Korean production stars Girls’ Generation’s Seohyun and singer-turned-musical actress Bada as Scarlett O’Hara, opposite actor Joo Jin-mo and musical star Kim Bap-lae as Rhett Butler. It continues through Feb. 15. For details, call 1577-3363.

“Mr. Show”: Following the successful premiere of “Mr. Show” this spring, the women-only adult show is back for the holiday season. Directed by renowned musical director Kolleen Park, eight good-looking Korean men perform on stage, dancing and acting their way through eight different themes, while audience members join the party. The sexy variety show is open only to women aged 19 and older. It runs through Jan. 31 in Seoul at Lotte Card Art Center near Hapjeong Station. Tickets are 60,000 won and 80,000 won. For details, visit www.mrshow.co.kr.

“Kinky Boots”: This Broadway musical, which bagged six Tony Awards last year, is having its first non-English-language run in Seoul. A collaboration between Broadway producers and Korean entertainment firm CJ E&M, the show is based on the 2005 film of the same title, with music and lyrics by Cyndi Lauper. In the play, Charlie, the young, straitlaced owner of a struggling British shoe factory, forms an unlikely partnership with Lola, a drag queen, to save the business. The Korean rendition of “Kinky Boots” continues through Feb. 22 at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul. For details, call (02) 2230-6600.

“Once”: The Korean production of “Once” is being staged at Seoul Arts Center. Based on the 2006 film of the same title, the original Broadway musical won eight Tony Awards in 2012, including best musical of the year. For its Korean version, veteran rocker Yoon Do-hyun will play the lead role. He will play Guy, an Irish street musician and vacuum cleaner repairman who falls in love with Girl, a Czech flower seller. Both Yoon and musical actor Lee Chang-hee will play the role, while two emerging musical actresses, Jeon Mi-do and Park Ji-yeon, will play Girl. “Once” continues through March 29 at the 1,000-seat CJ Towol Theater in Seoul Arts Center. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For details, call (02) 577-1987.