Pop music

“Singing the Beatles”: A special two-concert event will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Beatles. Eleven artists from the Korean indie rock scene including the Moonshiners, Jang Jae-in, the Windy City, the Mentles, Kingston Rudieska, Yozoh and many more will hit the stage with their versions of more than 30 classic Beatles hits. The performance will be held at the Mapo Art Center on Nov. 2-3 at 8 p.m. and 6 p.m., respectively. Tickets range from 22,000 won to 33,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Owl City: The Midsummer Station World Tour”: The electronica one man show Adam Young of Owl City will hold a concert in Seoul on Nov. 10 at the V-Hall in Hongdae at 7 p.m.. Owl City rose to fame with the 2009 debut album Ocean Eyes, which included the quadruple-platinum hit single “Fireflies.” Young is not only the lead vocal but does all the programming, keyboards, piano, synthesizers, guitars, bass guitar, drums, percussion and vibraphone for his tracks. Tickets are 88,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Norah Jones Live in Seoul”: American singer/songwriter Norah Jones, who rose to stardom with her hit song “Don’t Know Why,” will hold a Seoul concert on Nov. 17 at Jamsil Indoor Stadium. Jones launched her solo music career with the release of the critically acclaimed album “Come Away with Me,” a fusion of jazz, pop and country music. This album sold more than 26 million copies and earned Jones five Grammy Awards, including Album of the Year, Record of the Year and Best New Artist. Her fifth studio album, “Little Broken Hearts,” was released on April 27. Tickets range from 99,000 won to 165,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“40th Anniversary of the Rocket Man Tour”: The legendary rocket man himself, Sir Elton John, will return to Seoul after eight years with a live performance celebrating his 40-year career in the music industry. The solo concert will be held at the Olympic Park Gymnastics Gymnasium on Nov. 27 starting at 8 p.m. The legendary singer, songwriter, composer and pianist has sold more than 250 million albums making him one of the most successful artists of all time. Tickets range from 77,000 won to 250,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

Classic music

“Seoul Chamber Orchestra concert”: The Seoul Chamber Orchestra will hold its 81st regular concert at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall in southern Seoul on Nov. 4 on 5 p.m. The orchestra, led by conductor Kim Yong-un and presenting cellists Arto Noras and Song Young-hoon, will play Mozart’s Divermento K.136 in D major; Haydn’s Cello Concerto No.1 in C major; Handel’s Sonata for 2 Cellos & Orchestra in G minor; and Tchaikovsky’s Serenade for Strings in C major, Op.48. Tickets prices range between 10,000 won and 50,000 won. Reservations can be made at www.sacticket.co.kr; www.ticketlink.com and www.interpark.com.

“Kim Sun-wook plays Ludwig van Beethoven’s Complete 32 Piano Sonatas”: Pianist Kim Sun-wook will play four piano sonatas by Beethoven on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. at LG Art Center in southern Seoul. The concert is a part of the “Kim Sun-wook plays Ludwig Beethoven’s Complete 32 Piano Sonatas” which is scheduled to conclude next year. This is the fourth and last session of the year. The program will feature: Sonata No. 13 in E-flat major “Quasi una Fantasia,” Op. 27, No. 1; Sonata No. 14 in C-sharp minor “Moonlight,” Op. 27, No. 2; Sonata No. 15 in D major “Pastoral,” Op. 28; and Sonata No. 16 in G major, Op. 31, No. 1. Kim shot to international fame when he won the Leeds International Piano Competition in 2006 at the age of 18. He has played with London Philharmonic, BBC Philharmonic, Radio France Philharmonic and many other noted orchestras. Tickets are priced from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. The organizers are giving 100 students a 20 percent discount. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com

“Yo-Yo Ma Cello Recital”: World-class cellist Yo-Yo Ma will hold his recital at the Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul on Nov. 13. Ma will be accompanied on the piano by Kathryn Stott, who has toured with him for 35 years. Ma is the first ethnic Asian recipient of the Avery Fisher Award and has won more than 15 Grammies. Ma will perform Strainsky’s “Suite Italienne”; Villa-Lobos’ “Alma Brasileira”; Piazzolla’s “Oblivion”; Guarnierir’s “Dansa Negra”; de Falla’s “7 Canciones Populares Espaolas, G. 40” among others. The tickets are priced from 50,000 won to 180,000 won. Reservations can be made at www.clubbalcony.com; www.interpark.com; or www.sacticket.co.kr.

The Sejong Center for the Performing Arts is featuring three of Mozart’s most famous operas ― “The Magic Flute,” “Cosi fan Tutte,” and “Don Giovanni” in the month of November. “Don Giovani” will be staged on Nov. 17 led by Kim Joo-hyun, former music director of the Korea National Opera; while “Cosi fan Tuttee” will be led by conductor Park In-wook, professor of Sejong University, on Nov. 18; and the “Magic Flute” will be featured on Nov. 19 by Hogen Yun. All performance will be presented by Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra and the Sejong Metropolitan Chorus. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.

Exhibition

“-verse”: Choi Jae-eun, a Korean artist based in Japan and Germany, is holding an exhibition that offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between human beings and the sky. The 56-year-old artist is well-known for her philosophical reflection on nature and experimental approach to contemporary art. Choi explores themes of the finite and infinite and the flow of time at the new exhibition in Seoul, representing the ideas through diverse works such as photography, film and installation. The exhibition continues through Nov. 22 at Kukje Gallery in Samcheong-dong, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 735-8449.

“Anish Kapoor”: Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art holds the first exhibition of works by British sculptor Anish Kapoor. The first major show by Kapoor in Korea encompasses the artist’s major works from the early years of his career to the present. Some of the works include large-scale sculptors with unfathomable holes, three-dimensional monochromic paintings and stainless-steel sculptures that reflect or distort images. In the museum garden stands Kapoor’s huge stainless-steel sculptor “Tall Tree and the Eye,” which replaced the French sculptor Louis Bourgeois’ “Maman.” The exhibition continues through Jan. 27, 2013, at Leeum in Seoul. Admission is 8,000 won for adults and 5,000 won for students. For more information, call (02) 2014-6900.

“Dung-seob, Go to Renaissance!”: Seoul Museum, a private museum founded by pharmacy business magnate and art collector Ahn Byung-gwang, holds its inaugural exhibition focusing on Korea’s modern painters such as Lee Jung-seob, Han Mook and Park Ko-suk until Nov. 21.

The exhibition sheds light on painters who were active in the 1950s-70s and contributed to the cultural renaissance in Korea. Along with the special exhibition, another exhibition featuring some top names such as abstract painter Yoo Young-guk, media artist Paik Nam June and painter Chun Kyung-ja will be held throughout the year. Seoul Museum is located in Buam-dong, northern Seoul. For more information, call (02) 395-0100 or visit www.seoulmuseum.org.

“Deoksugung Project”: The National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea and Deoksugung Office of the Cultural Heritage Administration launched the Deoksugung Project with 12 contemporary artists who presented their own interpretations of royal history in the forms of installation, sculpture, video and performance throughout the Deoksugung grounds. The artworks will be installed inside the palace buildings, and the Deoksugung office allows visitors to step inside the buildings during the festival which runs till Dec. 12. Entrance to Deoksugung is free for elementary, middle and high school students and 1,000 won for adults. Guided tours on the Deoksugung grounds will be offered at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. every day. For more information, call (02) 2188-6000 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

“Dasan Jeong Yak-yong Embraces the People”: The National Museum of Korea is presenting 142 artifacts of of Jeong Yak-yong (1762-1836), one of the most famous scholars of Joseon era (1392-1910) upon the 250th anniversary of his birth. The exhibition follows the life of Jeong from his birth to his career at the government, development of “Shilhak (practical studies)” and death. Jeong was credited with adapting Western techniques in building Hwaseong Fortress in Gyeonggi Province in 1796 and calling for innovation and opening the country to international trade. At the event, paintings, letters and books by Dasan (Jeong’s penname) as well as relevant documents and historical information will be exhibited. Cho Gwang, honorary professor of Korea University, will lecture on Jeong’s life and legacy at the museum on Nov. 8 on 2 p.m. The exhibition runs till Dec. 16. For more information, call (02) 2088-9462. 

“The Best Under Heaven: The Celadons of Korea”: Under the theme “The Best Under Heaven: The Celadons of Korea,” the National Museum of Korea is showcasing a total of 350 pieces of celadon ware from Korea and abroad. They include 18 pieces of National Treasure, 11 Treasures and two pieces designated as significant cultural properties by Japan. This special exhibition is based on the research achievements on the peninsula’s long ceramic tradition which has undergone remarkable development since the 1990s. The purpose of the exhibition lies in outlining the development of Goryeo celadon-wares. The exhibition runs until Dec. 16. For more information, call (02) 2077-9499.

Festival

“Seoul Lantern Festival”: From Nov. 2 to 18 Cheonggye Stream in central Seoul will become an extravaganza of light and water with about 30,000 lanterns lighting up the Autumn nights. Visitors will enjoy many more lanterns than last year, with the spectacle starting at Cheonggye Plaza and stretching down a 1.3-km section of the stream to Gwansugyo Bridge. During the festival, visitors can expect to see lanterns made by artists from foreign countries such as China, Japan, Taiwan and New Zealand, as well as local citizens. Programs will include lantern-making and an introduction of the lanterns and festival in four languages ― Korean, English, Chinese and Japanese. Visitors will also have the chance to enjoy traditional Korean music and other performances. For more information, call (02) 3788-0882 or visit http://www.visitseoul.net. 

“Seosan Chrysanthemum Festival”: Seosan is located on the west coast and is a good place to grow chrysanthemums because of its mild weather. Various chrysanthemums and wild flowers are currently in full bloom in the 100,000-square-meter Hannongwon garden. Programs include an exhibition of more than 10,000 chrysanthemum products from 200 varieties, a handicraft exhibition and performances of traditional folk games. Visitors may also taste food and tea made with chrysanthemum flowers and buy local specialties including rice, garlic and dried red pepper at discounted prices. The festival runs until Nov.11 at Gaguri, Gobuk-myeon, Seosan, South Chungcheong Province. For more information, call (041) 660-2498 or visit http://www.seosantour.net.

“Gunsan International Migratory Bird Festival”: Visitors will have the chance to take field trips to observe migratory birds up close, see movies on migratory birds and enjoy cultural events, symposiums and exhibitions. Guided bus tours will also be available. The bird watching corridor (known as “Tamjohoerang” in Korean), built on the embankment of the Geum River, is the only facility of its kind in Korea. Children can also learn about the ecology of birds at Napo Cross fields. The bird-watching festival runs from Nov. 21-25 at Geumgang Bird Park, Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. For more information, call (063) 453-7213 or visit http://www.gmbo.kr.

Dance

“Remember me” & “Caught”: American contemporary dance company Parsons Dance Company is performing in Seoul. Founded in 1985, the New York-based troupe tours internationally in addition to its annual season in New York. For the upcoming Seoul performance, the troupe is showcasing “Caught,” one of its major repertoires, which features more than 100 leaps in six minutes by a solo dancer who is repeatedly trapped in mid-motion by the strobe lights, to create an illusion of flight. It is also performing “Remember Me,” which is a full-length dance-theater work and rock-dance opera, featuring the troupe’s lead vocalists and music of the Grammy-nominated band, East Village Opera Company. The show runs from Nov. 21 to 24 at LG Arts Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information call (02) 2005-0114. 

“Dear Nongae”: The National Dance Company of Korea is presenting their original repertoire “Dear Nongae,” which is based on the life of the famous 16th-century “gisaeng,” female entertainer, Nongae. Nongae lived in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, during the Japanese invasion of Korea (1592-1598). She is said to have seduced Japanese general Keyamura Rokusuke and led him to a cliff, embraced him and jumped, killing the general as well as herself. The show is choreographed by local choreographer and former dancer Yoon Seong-joo. She is said to have combined Korea’s traditional dance with ballet movements for the show. “Dear Nongae” runs from Nov. 16-18 at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul. English subtitles available. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4115.

“Prince Hodong”: Korea National Ballet stages “Prince Hodong,” an original work based on Korean traditional tale “Princess Nakrang and Prince Hodong,” from Nov. 10-11 at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul. Based on the Korean cultural text, the ballet depicts war, love, betrayal and death. The show was performed in Italy last year as the opener for the San Carlo Dance Festival. For more information, call (02) 587-6181 or visit www.kballet.org.

“Swan Lake”: Internationally acclaimed ballet company Mariinsky Ballet will be in Korea to stage the Tchaikovsky classic “Swan Lake.” The famous ballet tells the story of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse. She tries to break the curse with her love interest prince Siegfried, but fails as the prince gets tricked by the sorcerer. The Russian troupe was founded in the 18th century and is now considered one of the world’s greatest ballet companies. The show runs from Nov. 12-13 at Sejong Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 270,000 won. For more information, call (070) 7124-1740 or visit www.uac.co.kr.

Theater

“Assassins”: Prominent film and theater actor Hwang Jeong-min (Happiness, Dancing Queen) is making his debut as a musical director this month. The show is the Korean adaptation of American musical “Assassins.” The five-time Tony Award winner features the real-life men and women who attempted to assassinate U.S. presidents. The figures include John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated Lincoln, and Sara Jane Moore, who attempted to assassinate President Ford. Hwang stars as Charles Guiteau, President James Garfield’s assassin, in his own show. “Assassins” runs from Nov. 20 to Feb. 3 of next year at Doosan Art Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 744-4033. 

“Long Day’s Journey into Night”: American playwright Eugene O’Neill’s 1956 work “Long Day’s Journey into Night” is being staged in Seoul. The piece, which tells the story of a dysfunctional family, is based on O’Neill’s personal experience with his own family. In the play, three of its male characters are alcoholics, while its female character Mary is addicted to morphine. The current run is directed by Japanese theater director Tamiya Kuriyama and performed by the National Theater of Korea. The show is being performed in Korean with English subtitles. The show runs until Nov. 11 at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, Seoul. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call 1688-5966.

“Aida”: Korea’s Seensee Company once again presents the Korean adaptation of Elton John and Tim Rice’s musical “Aida.” The show was first staged in Seoul in 2005, and its second run was held in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province, in 2010. Based on Giuseppe Verdi’s Italian-language opera of the same title, the show tells the story of Aida, Nubia’s princess who gets taken into slavery in Egypt. She soon gets attention from Radames, captain of the Egyptian army, who is expected to succeed to the country’s throne after the Pharaoh’s death. For the 2005 run, idol star-turned-musical actress Ock Ju-hyun starred as the beautiful and captivating Aida. This year, actress Cha Ji-yeon and pop singer Sonya are sharing the lead role. “Aida” runs from Dec. 2 to April 28, 2013, at D-Cube Art Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.

“Rudolf”: A Korean adaptation of the famous European musical “Rudolf” will be staged in Seoul for the first time. The show is about Rudolf, Crown Prince of Austria (1858-1889), and his extramarital affair with Baroness Mary Vetsera. The piece is written based on the widespread assumption that the crown prince and his mistress committed suicide together at his Mayerling hunting lodge in 1889. Korea’s musical stars Im Tae-gyeong, Ahn Jae-wook and Park Eun-tae are sharing the role of the prince. The show runs from Nov. 10 to Jan. 27, 2013, at Chungmu Art Hall in central Seoul. For more information, call (02) 6391-6333.

“Phantom of the Opera”: Tickets are available for the upcoming run of the world’s beloved musical, “Phantom of the Opera.” The show opens on Dec. 7 at Blue Square’s Samsung Electronics Hall in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, the musical tells the story of the beautiful soprano Christine, and a mysterious, disfigured musical genius who becomes obsessed with her. Australian actress Claire Lyon will play Christine, while veteran Broadway actor Brad Little will perform as the Phantom. The show was first staged in Korea in 2001, and its last Korean run was in 2010 in Daegu. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 160,000 won, and a 15 percent discount is available for those who have seen the show in Korea in the past. For more information, visit www.phantomoftheopera.co.kr or call 1577-3363.