With spring around the corner, concert halls are inviting music lovers to matinee performances. Held around noon, these concerts are a perfect opportunity to enjoy music and share a good lunch with friends during the week.

The shows are not only music. For novices or those who find it difficult to stay focused during classical music performances, there are hosts who explain each piece and comment on the performances.

“This year we are planning to adopt an interview session on stage, allowing the players to share their experiences with the audience directly,” the Seongnam Arts Center said in a press release.

Here are some matinee concerts to consider for the coming season.

Seongnam Arts Center

The Seongnam Arts Center in Gyeonggi Province is holding a series of matinee concerts every third Thursday at 11 a.m.

Jeong Ki-yeol, better known as Kai, a popera singer and host of “Saeng Saeng Classic” on KBS Classic FM, will emcee the event. After the concert, free coffee and snacks will be served at the cafeteria.

On March 21, the Matinee Project Ensemble will perform Stravinsky’s “The Soldier’s Tale” and Loevendie’s “Nightingale for Narrator and Seven Instruments.”

On April 18, the KBS Symphony Orchestra will feature Hayden, Vanhal and Prokofiev followed by the Sejong Soloists on May 16 under the theme of “Dance, Dance, Dance.” On June 20, the Korean Symphony Orchestra will perform pieces by Wagner, Shostakovich and Mahler.

All tickets are priced at 25,000 won and reservations can be made at www.interpark.com or at the arts center website. For more information, call (031) 783-8000.

Seoul Arts Center

The Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul introduces the ninth season of the popular “11 a.m. Concert,” with acclaimed cellist Song Young-hoon as the host. 

On March 14, the Korean Symphony Orchestra will play Mozart, Copland, Berlioz and Wieaniawski followed by the Prime Philharmonic Orchestra which will perform Rossini, Liszt, Beethoven and Arutiunian on April 11.

Also at the Seoul Arts Center, the “Saturday Concert” featuring noted conductor Kim Dae-jin will be held at 11 a.m. on March 15. Kim will lead the SAC Festival Orchestra in a program of Ravel and Franck and lecture on the music as well.

Tickets are priced between 15,000 won and 20,000 won and reservations can be made at www.sacticket.co.kr. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.

Aramnuri

The Goyang Cultural Foundation is presenting the “All that Piano” series inviting pianists to help the audience explore the world of piano music at the Aramnuri concert hall. Noted pianist Park Jong-hoon will perform and host the program.

On April 25, Park will be joined by pianist Yoon Cheol-hee, violinist Yang Go-un and other soloists to feature music by Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms. On June 27, he will be joined by two pianists, Jo Jae-hyuk and Chiharu Aizawa, and the Gangnam Symphony Orchestra performing five Beethoven piano concertos.

All seats are priced at 15,000 won and reservations can be made at www.artgy.or.kr. For more information, call 1577-7766.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)