Exhibitions

“The Masters”: Opera Gallery Seoul is showcasing 40 masterpieces by some of the greatest artists of recent times. The exhibition includes works by Claude Monet, Fernand Leger, Alexander Calder, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, Marc Chagall, Auguste Rodin, Georges Braque, Andy Warhol, Robert Indiana, Yves Klein, Keith Haring and Tom Wasselman. This is the first time that a high-profile exhibition is being held by the chain in Seoul while most of the Opera Gallery branches hold such big-name exhibitions every year. The exhibition runs through Dec. 31. For more information, call (02)3446-0070 or visit www.operagallery.com. 

“Tell Me Tell Me: Australian and Korean Art 1976-2011”: The National Museum of Contemporary Art in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province, is holding a cultural exchange exhibition with the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney. Taking the year 1976, when important Korean artists visited Australia with their works for the Biennale of Sydney, as the starting point, the exhibition introduces 130 works by key contemporary Korean and Australian artists. The exhibition runs through Feb. 19, 2012. Admission is 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

“Art of Communication”: Four established media artists of different nationalities -- Anri Sala, Yang Ah Ham, Philippe Parreno and Jorge Pardo -- ponder the question of communication at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Deoksugung, in central Seoul. The artists have worked together and apart to create media works with common and diverging themes: the intimacies of everyday life, social messages and the eternal dialogue between the arts. The exhibition runs through Dec. 4. Admission is 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2188-6114 or visit www.moca.go.kr.

“Work in Progress”: Daelim Contemporary Museum of Art in Tongui-dong, central Seoul, sheds new light on Karl Lagerfeld, not as a high-end designer, but as a photographer. Lagerfeld has produced many impressive photos including images of fashion collections and more experimental shots of models. Chanel and Fendi’s 2011 F/W collection photos taken by Lagerfeld are showcased to the public for the first time through the exhibition. The show runs through March 18 at Daelim Contemporary Museum of Arts. Tickets range from 2,000 won to 5,000 won. For more information, call (02) 720-0667 or visit www.daelimmuseum.org.

“Body Worlds & The Cycle of Life”: The exhibition shows the complexity, resilience, and vulnerability of the human body by displaying more than 200 pieces of plastinated human bodies. Divided into four sections, the show presents the human life cycle and aging -- from prenatal development to old age by displaying a remarkable collection ranging from plastinated embryos to findings on geographic clusters around the world where the oldest living people live. The exhibition is held as open run at The War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan-dong, central Seoul. Tickets range from 6,000 won to 15,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541-6235 or visit www.bodyworlds.kr.

“The Court Painters of Joseon Dynasty”: In celebration of its seventh anniversary, Leeum brought together 110 paintings by “hwawon,” or court painters of the Joseon Dynasty. It showcases works by master painters like Kim Hong-do, Jang Seung-eop, Shin Yun-bok and Kim Deuk-sin, who are well-known among the Korean public due to their immense influence. The exhibition is divided into two parts -- “The Court Painter’s Brush: Forming Royal Authority” and “The Court Painter’s Brush: Painting Joseon.” It runs through Jan. 29. Tickets range from 4,000 won to 7,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2014-6900 or visit www.leeum.org.


Dance

“32nd Dance Festival”: The Dance Association of Korea is holding the “32nd Dance Festival,” a competition and festival. A total of six Korean teams which previously won at the festival before and 14 new teams will compete. Onlookers have a wide range of dance genres to enjoy, including ballet, contemporary dance and Korean traditional dance. It runs through Nov. 20 at Arko Arts Theater in Hyehwa-dong, central Seoul. Admission is 20,000 won. For more information, call (02) 744-8066 or visit www.dancekorea.org. 

“Mid-time Fantasy Dance Performance”: The National Theater of Korea holds a Korean traditional dance performance every Tuesday at 11 a.m. There are eight different repertoires including a fan dance and a dance with “jango,” a type of Korean drum. The performance is being staged as an open run at the National Theater of Korea in Jangchung-dong, central Seoul. Admission is 10,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.

“Onegin”: Universal Ballet Company presents “Onegin,” the tragic love story based on Alexander Pushkin’s “Eugene Onegin” which is one of the best known Russian novels in history. Music is by Tchaikovsky and choreography is by John Cranko. Kang Hyo-jung and Evan McKie, principal dancers from Stuttgarte Ballet, will each join the show as Tatyana and Onegin along with UBC’s principal dancers. It runs through Nov. 19 at the LG Art Center in Yeoksam-dong, southern Seoul. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For more information, call (02) 070-7124-1737 or visit www.universalballet.com.

“Miso”: Translated as “beautiful smile,” this musical offers a compact presentation of everything Korean culture first-timers could wish for. It blends ten different kinds of traditional dances, five traditional games and a wedding ritual into the storyline based on a well-known folktale, “The Tale of Chunhyang.” There are very few spoken lines throughout the performance, making it ideal for audiences of diverse nationalities. “Miso” is showing as an open run at Chongdong Theater in Jeong-dong, central Seoul. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, call (02) 751-1500 or visit www.koreamiso.com. 


Theater

“Pick the Peak Up”: Production group White Out presents an exciting musical complimented with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll this month. Titled “Pick the Peak Up,” the piece feels very much like a rock concert, while having a solid narrative of a group of university freshmen who’d like to form a rock band. The actors and actresses have spent a good five months mastering the guitar and keyboards, on top of vocal lessons. White Out is a production group founded by young graduates from Korea University of Arts’ theater program. The show opens on Nov. 23 and runs until Dec. 31 at Sam Art Hall in Daehangno in Seoul. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 25,000 won. For more information, call (02) 745-0308. 

“The Last Empress”: Having debuted as Korea’s first original musical in 1995, “The Last Empress” celebrates its 16th anniversary this year. Based on the true story of Queen Myeongseong of Joseon, the musical depicts her struggle to protect her kingdom against the Japanese, as well as her tragic death at the hands of Japanese assassins. The show runs until Nov. 20 at Grand Theater, Chungmu Art Hall in central Seoul. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2250-5900.

“Hamlet”: The Czech Republic’s rock superstar Janek Ledecky brings an exciting adaptation of the Shakespearean revenge tale to Seoul for the third time. The rock-star wrote the musical back in 1998, with no previous musical theater experience. It was a huge success in Prague and Bratislava, Slovakia, when it was first premiered in 1999, attracting some 10 million people over the next six years. The musical eventually made its way to Broadway in 2003, after a year-long adaptation process with Robert Johanson, a New-York based musical director. Its Korean edition was first premiered in 2007, and made another hit in 2008. Its third run, which kicked off on Oct. 10, runs until Dec. 17 at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 100,000 won. For tickets and information, call (02) 6391-6333 or visit www.musicalhamlet.com.

“Musical Winter Sonata”: Based on KBS’ 2002 mega hit drama series of the same name, “Musical Winter Sonata” is a heart-wrenching love story. Using the beautiful winter scenery of Chuncheon, Gangwon Province as a sentimental background, the show tells the story of two people unable to let go of their first love. The TV version received enthusiastic reception both home and abroad, especially in Japan. The musical is directed by Yoon Suk-ho, who directed the TV series, while Oh Eun-hee composed the music. The show runs until March 18 of next year, at Myungbo Art Hall in central Seoul. Tickets cost 50,000 won. For tickets and information, call (02) 1544-1555, or (070) 7019-6707.

“Mimosa Pudica”(Yutzpracachia): Inspired by the real-life story of Anne Sullivan (1866-1936), the famous teacher of Helen Keller, Bukchon Art Hall’s current play “Mimosa Pudica” tells a story of a young girl who has been traumatized by the American Civil War and a disease that leaves her almost blind. The play starts as Annie, who lives in a hospital orphanage, becomes emotionally unstable after her only sibling dies. As her aggressive behavior gets uncontrollable, the abusive staff of the hospital decides to send her to the institution’s mental unit. Tormented and hurt by her past and her failing eye-sight, Annie refuses to talk and acts violently whenever the Big Annie, the kind-hearted nurse at the mental unit, tries to console her. Annie’s condition doesn’t seem to improve, but Big Annie doesn’t give up. One day, the nurse gets Annie a flowerpot of Mimosa pudica, a strange plant which apparently has to be constantly touched by humans in order to survive. Open run at Bukchon Art Hall, near Anguk subway station exit number 3, in central Seoul. Tickets cost 25,000 won. Children must be 10 or older to be admitted. For more information, call (02) 988-2258.

“Mamma Mia!”: The global smash hit musical “Mamma Mia” is back as a Korean production. Based on songs of ABBA, including “Dancing Queen,” “Money, Money, Money,” and “Thank You for the Music,” the musical offers a hilarious tale of a young bride-to-be’s search for her unknown father. The show premiered in Korea in 2004, and was last performed here in 2009 at the National Theater of Korea. The current show stars musical actress Choi Jung-won as Donna, the single mother whose daughter is about to get married. Pop singer Lee Hyun-woo, who had his musical debut with “Singles” back in 2007, appears as Harry, one of the three potential fathers of Sophie, Donna’s only daughter. The show runs until Feb. 26 at D-Cube Arts Center in western Seoul, located near exit 1 of Sindorim subway station. Tickets range from 40,000 won to 110,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2211-3000.


Pop Music

“The King’s Singers Christmas Concert”: One of the world’s most celebrated vocal groups The King’s Singers will perform in Seoul on Dec. 4. The six-member British group, which was formed 43 years ago, has more than 2,000 songs under its label. During its Seoul performance, the group will sing its own songs as well as Christmas carols. Tickets for the concert at the Seoul Arts Center will range from 30,000 won to 100,000 won. For information, call (02) 54103183. 

“Jang Pil-soon Live 2011”: Singer-songwriter Jang Pil-soon will perform on Dec. 27 with her long-time collaborators guitarist Han Choon-ho and bassist Kim Jung-ryul. The trio will be performing folk, modern rock and electronic songs to show off the Jang’s powerful voice. Jang, considered a “goddess of folk songs” in Korea along with Han Young-ae, debuted in 1989. The concert will be held at the Sejong Center for Performing Arts. For information, call (02) 563-0595.

“Mamas Gun Live in Seoul”: Quintet rock band Mamas Gun from the U.K., which performed at the Incheon Pentaport Rock Festival this year, will hold its first concert in Korea at Hongdae V Hall on Dec. 1-2 at 8 p.m. Debuting in 2009 with album “Routes to Riches,” the act has been often compared with U.S. group Maroon 5. All standing tickets are 66,000 won.

“Love Concerto That Year, Winter”: Balladeers Park Jung-hyun and Sung Si-kyung will hold a joint year-end concert tour “Love Concerto That Year, Winter” in December in five major Korean cities. The two will start the tour in Busan on Dec. 4 and move to Daejeon on Dec. 10. In Daegu, the concert will be held on Dec. 17 and in Gwangju, on Dec. 24-25. The Seoul concert will be held from Dec. 29-31 at the Jamsil Sports Complex. Tickets, priced between 88,000 won and 121,000 won, are open at ticket.interpark.com.


Classical Music

“L’histoire du soldat (The Soldier’s Tale)”: The Seoul Opera Ensemble will perform the renowned 1918 theatrical work “to be read, played, and danced” set to music by Igor Stravinsky on Dec. 1-2. Directed by Chang Soo-dong and conducted by Yang Jin-mo, the professional opera association will bring on stage the story based on a Russian folk tale about a soldier who trades his fiddle to the devil for a book that predicts the future of the economy. The music is scored for a septet of violin, double bass, clarinet, bassoon, cornet (often played on trumpet), trombone, and percussion, and the story is told by three actors: the soldier, the devil and a narrator, who also takes on the roles of minor characters. A dancer plays the non-speaking role of the princess, and there may also be additional ensemble dancers. Tickets for the Seoul Opera Ensemble concerts at the Mapo Art Center range from 20,000 won to 40,000 won. For more information, call (02) 741-7389.

“Modern & Modernity”: Violinist Stefan Pi Jackiw, one of the world’s most inspiring young talents, will hold his second Seoul recital on Nov. 26 with pianist Anna Polonsky. Praised as “the most impressive debut of 2004” by the Seattle Times and “a young phenom” by The Boston Globe, Jackiw will be playing pieces that are less-known to the public such as Igor Stravinsky’s Suite italiennem, Aaron Copland’s Violin Sonata, Witold Lutoslawski’s Subito, for violin and piano and Richard Strauss’s Violin Sonata in Eb Major, op. 18. Jackiw held his first concert in Seoul in 2009, shortly after the release of his debut album. The young violinist has performed with the Philadelphia Philharmonic, the BBC Symphony and many others. Tickets for Jackiw’s solo recital at the Seoul Arts Center range from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. The violinist will also be performing in the cities of Busan and Daejeon on Nov. 25 and Nov. 27, respectively. For more information, call (02) 580-1300. 

“Kumho Art Hall Chamber Music Concert”: Kumho Art Hall-representing ensembles ― the Chamber Music Society of Kumho Art Hall (CMS) and Kumho Asiana Soloists ― will perform on Dec. 8 and Dec. 29, respectively. The CMS, led by artistic director and pianist Kim Dae-jin, is to stage Brahms Piano Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8 and invite renowned American clarinetist Jon Manasse to collaborate on Brahms Clarinet Quintet in B minor, Op. 115. The CMS has been offering “Brahms Essentials” concert series since 2008 to cover the entire cycle of Brahms chamber music. Five members of the Kumho Asiana Soloists ― pianist Son Yeol-eum, violinist Kwun Hyuk-joo, violist Lee Han-na and cellist Kim Min-ji ― will gather on Dec. 29 evening to offer the art hall’s year-end stage with Ravel Sonata for Violin and Cello, Shostakovich String Quartet No. 8 in C minor, Op. 110 and Tchaikovsky Piano Trio in A minor, Op. 50, “In Memory of a Great Artist.” Tickets for chamber music concerts at the Kumho Art Hall are 30,000 won for adults and 8,000 won for those under 18. For details, call (02) 6303-7700.

Festivals

“The 106th Seoul Comic World”: An event for amateur cartoonists will take place in Seoul on Dec. 24-25, giving them the chance to exhibit and sell their creations to the visitors. Since the first event in 1999, the Comic World has been growing into one of the most important events for the growing number of cartoonist-wannabes in Korea. For more information about the event at the SETEC, southern Seoul, call (02) 3142-2137.

“The 10th Seoul International Café Show”: From Nov. 24-27, Seoul will become the venue of world-leading coffee, tea and dessert brands in the world. The Korea Barista Championship, Café de Cinema, Afternoon Tea time and other various events will be held during the four days for any coffee- and tea-lovers. Last year’s event drew more than 64,000 visitors, according to organizers. For more information about the event at COEX, southern Seoul, call (02) 501-3322. 

“High Light Festival 2012 Countdown”: The High light festival 2012 Countdown, an indoor hip hop and electronic music festival, will be held at Sheraton Grande Walkerhill’s Vista Hall and Walkerhill Theater on Dec. 31 from 10 p.m. through 4 a.m. next morning. Hip-hop group Far East Movement will be the headliner and other artists ― Sebastian, DJ Virman from Far East Movement, DJ Feadz, Justin Michael, Idiotape, Beat Burger and DJ Yup ― will also join the party. Reserved tickets are 132,000 won and 143,000 won at door. For details, call (02) 323-2838.

“Seoul Lantern Festival 2011”: The Seoul Lantern Festival will be held through Nov. 20 along Cheonggyecheon in central Seoul. Starting from Cheonggye Plaza to Gwansu Bridge, the 1.3-kilometer path will be decorated with various lanterns. The stream and the lanterns will make a unique scene at night. For more information, visit http://blog.naver.com/seoullantern.