Pop music

“Singing in the Smile with Michael Bolton”: American singer-songwriter Michael Bolton is gearing up for two solo concerts in Seoul. The multi-Grammy Award-winning artist is the voice behind some of the greatest American rock ballads, including “How Am I Supposed to Live Without You,” “When a Man Loves a Woman” and “Said I Loved You … But I Lied.” In Bolton’s illustrious musical career, which spans nearly four decades, he has sold more than 75 million records worldwide with more than 15 studio albums to his name ― most of which topped the charts in the States. Bolton will be performing his final show at Seoul Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium on Nov. 22. Ticket prices range from 77,000 won to 143,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Akon Super Stage”: Popular American hip-hop artist and producer Akon will be coming to Seoul in November to perform a collaborative concert with local hip-hop artists Bumkey, San E and YDG. Akon first made a name for himself as a hip-hop artist after the release of his debut album “Trouble,” featuring the hit single “Locked Up.” In 2006, Akon released his second album, “Konvicted,” which was nominated for three Grammy Awards. Two years later, he unveiled his platinum-selling album “Freedom,” which included some of his most well-known singles: “Right Now (Na Na Na),” “I’m So Paid,” “Beautiful” and “We Don’t Care.” Akon will be performing at the Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul on Nov. 27. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Tenacious D”: Rock musician and Hollywood actor Jack Black, best known for his role as Dewey Finn in the blockbuster hit “School of Rock,” will be coming to Seoul along with bandmate Kyle Gass for the comedy rock duo Tenacious D’s first concert in Korea. The band is known for Black’s thespian-like vocals and the quick-witted crude humor that people have come to expect from the rocker-comedian. In 2012, Tenacious D released its most recent album, “Rize of the Fenix,” which received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Comedy Album in 2013. The duo is slated to perform two live shows at Seoul Olympic Park’s Olympic Hall on Dec. 5 and 6. Ticket prices range from 99,000 won to 121,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Psy Concert: All Night Stand”: Just as he did last year, Psy will be returning to the stage for four energy-filled nights for his upcoming “All Night Stand” holiday concert series. Inarguably the world’s most famous K-pop star to date, Psy has held some form of a holiday concert annually for the past decade, with last year’s four-day event attracting a combined 60,000 fans. The man who defined Gangnam style will be hosting five shows from Dec. 19 to 24, with two separate performances on Christmas Eve. The shows will be held at Seoul Olympic Park’s Gymnastics Stadium with ticket prices ranging from 77,000 won to 165,000. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.


Dance

“Swan Lake”: The Russia Novosibirsk State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater troupe is making its way to Seoul for its production of one of the ballet world’s classic tales ― “Swan Lake.” The original Russian tale is about a young princess who is turned into a swan after being put under an evil spell. Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov first staged the ballet in 1876 and it has been revised countless times over the years. The upcoming production of “Swan Lake” will be held at the Sejong Center in Seoul for three days, from Dec. 12-14. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 300,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Jesus Christ Superstar”: In honor of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice’s coveted rock opera love child, “Jesus Christ Superstar,” celebrating 41 years, the Gangdong Arts Center will be holding a special modern dance production of the Broadway musical. The choreography is said to follow a similar storyline of the musical with the dancers performing to Webber’s original soundtrack. The dance version of “Jesus Christ Superstar” will be staged at the Gangdong Art Center in Seoul from Dec. 12 to 13. Tickets are listed at 20,000 won and 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com. 

“The Nutcracker”: The original production of “The Nutcracker” was created in 1892 by Marius Petipa and choreographed by Lev Ivanov. To this day, the internationally successful ballet piece remains a classic holiday tale. In 1986, Universal Ballet first presented its version of “The Nutcracker” by Adrienne Dellas in Seoul. In 1999, the ballet was reinterpreted here by choreographer Vasily Vainonen. The upcoming performance will be staged at the Universal Arts Center in Seoul from Dec. 19 to 31, with ticket prices ranging from 10,000 to 100,000 won.

Theater

“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 will perform on stage, dancing and acting around eight different themes, while audience members will join the party together. The sexy variety show is open only to women aged 19 or over. It runs through Jan. 31 in Seoul at Lotte Card Art Center near Hapjeong Station, on Lines 2 and 6. Tickets are 60,000 won and 80,000 won. For details, visit www.mrshow.co.kr

“The Pillars of Society”: “The Pillars of Society” (1877), a lesser-known work by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen, is debuting in Korea as a stage drama. Karsten Bernick, a shipwright in a small coastal town in Norway, is respected in his community for his high moral integrity. However, he has a secret plan to bring a railway to the town, while buying up land along the railway to make a profit. But the plan, along with Karsten’s past scandals, is destined to come to light after Johan, Karsten’s brother-in-law, returns to the town after 15 years. Directed by Kim Kwang-bo, “The Pillars of Society” will run from Nov. 19-30 at LG Arts Center near Yeoksam Station. Tickets are 30,000 won to 50,000 won. For details, visit www.lgart.com.

“Tribes”: A play by English theater director and playwright Nina Raine, “Tribes” is being staged for the first time in Korea by director Park Jung-hee. The play centers on a Jewish British family of five ― Beth and Christopher and their three grown children, including the youngest, Billy, who is deaf. Billy brings his girlfriend Sylvia, a hearing woman born to deaf parents, home for dinner. The family’s interactions with her reveal the meaning of family and communication. “Tribes” will run until Dec. 14 at Seoul Arts Center’s Jayu Theater, near Nambu Bus Terminal Station. Tickets are 35,000 won and 50,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

“Andrei Serban’s Different Chunhyang”: Based on the pansori (Korean folk narrative) “Chunhyangga,” Korea’s most popular love story is recreated as changgeuk, a form of Korean traditional opera, by renowned director Andrei Serban. The Romanian-born American theater director takes the original story of Seong Chun-hyang, the daughter of a low-class retired female entertainer, and Lee Mong-ryong, the son of a nobleman, and modernizes the settings, dialogues and costumes to suit today’s audiences. “Andrei Serban’s Different Chunhyang” runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 6 at Daloreum Theater at the National Theater of Korea near Dongguk University Station. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 50,000 won and English translation is provided during the show. For details, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.

“Gongmudoha”: The National Gugak Center is presenting an original Korean opera from Nov. 21-30 at its main hall in southern Seoul. Set to gugak, traditional Korean music, the production draws from the eponymous ancient poem, which starts with the famous line “My love, don’t cross that river,” but explores contemporary life questions. Renowned stage director Lee Youn-taek penned the production and is directing it. Tickets cost from 10,000 won to 50,000 won. For more information, visit www.gugak.go.kr or call (02) 580-3300.

“Kinky Boots”: A Broadway musical that bagged six Tony Awards last year is having its first off-Broadway run in Seoul in December. 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. A struggling British shoe factory’s young, straitlaced owner, Charlie, forms an unlikely partnership with Lola, a drag queen, to save the business. The Korean rendition of “Kinky Boots” opens Dec. 5 at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul. For details, call (02) 2230-6600.


Classical music

Stefan Jackiw & Ji Yong duo recital: Violinist Stefan Pi Jackiw and pianist Ji Yong, both members of the all-male chamber ensemble DITTO, will hold duo recitals in three cities including Seoul on Dec. 8. The program consists of compositions of Maurice Ravel, Kaija Saariaho and Cesar Frank. The Seoul concert will be held at Seoul Arts center and ticket costs 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266 or visit www.clubbalcony.com. 

Mark Padmore recital: British tenor Mark Padmore will perform Schubert’s Winterreise, with Paul Lewis on piano, at the Hyden Hall of Goyang Aramnuri in the city of Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, on Dec. 11. The pair’s 2010 recording of the song cycle ― set in 24 evocative poems by Schubert’s contemporary Wilhelm Mller ― won critical acclaim, including a Grammophon award.
The concert starts at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from 20,000 won to 80,000 won. For details, call 1577-7766 or visit www.artgy.or.kr

Lim Hyung-joo recital: Pop-opera star Lim Hyung-joo will hold a solo recital at the main theater of the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in Seoul on Nov. 26. He will sing his classical crossover hits, including “A Thousands Winds,” as well as new scores from his latest album “Finally.” The concert will start at 8 p.m. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 120,000 won. For information, call (02) 2106-2013.

Placido Domingo: Spanish tenor-turned-baritone Placido Domingo, best known here as a member of the legendary Three Tenors with Jose Carreras and the late Luciano Pavarotti, is coming to Seoul for his first solo concert in five years. He will sing both classical and crossover scores, including “Perhaps Love.” The concert will be at the Olympic Park in Jamsil on Nov. 23. Tickets cost 99,000 to 253,000 won. For more information, call 1661-7738.

Jose Carreras: Another legendary Spanish tenor, Jose Carreras, will hold two concerts in Seoul’s Sejong Center for the Performing Arts on Nov. 22-23. The program is filled with Korean favorites such as “Moon River,” “Santa Lucia,” and “Nessun Dorma.” The tenor will also duet with Korean soprano Cathleen Kim. Tickets cost 55,000 won to 440,000 won. For information call 1544-1887.

“Eugene Onegin”: Seoul Arts Center presents a concert performance of Tchaikovsky’s poignant opera “Eugene Onegin,” with Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra and an international cast. Baritone Kong Byoung-woo will sing Onegin, opposite soprano Lee Yun-ah as Tatiana. Shao-Chia Lu conducts and James Robinson directs. The performance will start at 7 p.m. at the Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center, southern Seoul, on Dec. 6. Tickets cost 30,000 won to 150,000 won. For details, call (02) 580-1300 or visit www.sacticket.co.kr.

Festivals

Ttangkkeut Sunset Sunrise Festival: Haenam, South Jeolla Province, is one of several spots in Korea with a magnificent view of the sunset on New Year’s Eve and sunrise on New Year’s Day. Brother Rocks (Hyeongjebawi) is the vantage point for watching the sunrise from the southernmost point of the peninsula. The festival starts on New Years’ Eve with Korean fireworks, traditional song and dance performances, and the town’s time-honored ritual to fend off bad fortunes. The sunrise will be greeted by striking a Korean gong, followed by New Year’s wishes and music performances. For more information, visit tour.haenam.go.kr. 

The New Year Festival, Busan: This festival greets the first sunrise of the New Year on Haeundae Beach and at Yongdusan Park, two popular tourist sites. Festival-goers will bid farewell to 2014 at bell-tolling event at Yongdusan Park from 11 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 12:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2015. The event will resume with the sunrise on Haeundae Beach at 6:40 a.m. Small and large events such as fireworks, concerts and other entertainment will add to the festive mood. For more information, visit festival.busan.kr.

Pyeongchang Trout Festival: This annual trout fishing event will be held from Dec. 20 to Feb. 8 in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, which is one of the coldest regions in Korea and is known for record snowfalls. At the festival, visitors can try ice fishing and a variety of activities from folk pastimes to snow sports such as driving four-wheel ATVs on the ice, going snow rafting and riding sleigh trains. The festival will take place by Oedaecheon Stream across from Jinbu Bus Terminal. For more information, visit festival700.or.kr (Korean only) or call (033) 336-4000.

Exhibitions

“Staying in the Mindscape”: Artist Nam Kyung-min imagines what life of Korean painting masters such as Kim Hong-do and Shin Yoon-bok was like in her new paintings currently on exhibit at Savina Museum of Contemporary Art in Seoul. Nam moves the imaginary rooms of the painters onto canvas in a fashionable way. The rooms feature painting tools, the painters’ masterpieces, symbolic objects and the beautiful view overlooking the garden outside. The layouts of the rooms are based on the artist’s four-year research into traditional paintings and painters. The fact that there’s little information about the working environment of Korean painting masters gave the artist much freedom to imagine what their working rooms would look like. The exhibition continues through Dec. 19. For more information, call (02) 736-4371. 

“Memory of Place”: The former Seoul Station building will turn into a big live theater where artists, dancers and musicians will present a variety of arts performances that pay tribute to the history of the place. Each room of the historic building will be dedicated to live performances and interactive exhibitions from Nov. 14 to 30 as part of the seasonal program of Culture Station Seoul 284, the current name of the space. The VIP lounge for train passengers will turn into a water stage where audience members will need to wear boots to watch performances. Different types of performances will be conducted throughout the event period. Due to the small size of the lounge, the number of audience members will be limited to 40 per performance. Reservations for the event opened on Wednesday on www.seoul284.org. For more information, call (02) 3407-3502/3512.

Linda McCartney Retrospective: Daelim Museum in Seoul is holding a retrospective on photographer Linda McCartney until April 26, 2015. The first retrospective here of the celebrated photographer shows McCartney’s earlier works, including portraits of popular musicians such as Eric Clapton and Jimi Hendrix, family photos depicting her happy life with Paul McCartney and their children, and later works that capture the beauty of daily life and nature. Admission is 5,000 won for adults. The museum is located next to Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul. For more information, visit www.daelimmuseum.org.

“National Song Contest”: The Buk Seoul Museum of Art is presenting a photo exhibition by artist Byun Soon-cheol, who has been documenting the long-running, popular singing audition TV program “National Song Contest.” The exhibition showcases 40 portraits of contestants of the program, revealing their long-cherished passion to sing and dance onstage. The exhibition features a video documenting audience members and contestants of the program from the point of view of the artist. The exhibition continues through January 2015 at the museum in Nowon-gu, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 2124-5270.