Published : Sept. 2, 2016 - 15:07
Pop Music
American singer-songwriter Andra Day is set to perform in Korea on Sept. 23. (Warner Music Korea)
“Andra Day”: American rhythm and blues artist Andra Day, who was nominated for Best R&B Performance at the 2016 Grammy Awards, will be performing in Korea on Sept. 23 at the Yes 24 Live Hall in Gwangjang-dong, Seoul. The singer-songwriter soul diva, with hit songs like “City Burns,” originally rose to fame with her groove-filled covers of songs by Eminem, Jessie J, Florence and the Machine and Lionel Richie. Her debut LP “Cheers to the Fall,” which contains a rich blend of doo-wop, jazz, hiphop and retro, was released here early this year. Tickets are priced at 88,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.yes24.com. For inquiries, call (02) 1544-6399.
“We Are the Hiphop”: Collaborative hip-hop show “We Are the Hiphop,” featuring some of Korea’s trendiest rappers such as Dok2, The Quiett, Mad Clown and San E, will take place from Oct. 1-2 at the Yes24 Live Hall in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Also performing are rappers Zion. T, known for his moody hit songs such as “Just,” “Eat,” “Zero Gravity,” “Now Makeup” and “Yanghwa Brdg”; rapper-producer Gray, known for his urbane style in songs like “Day Day” and “Not the Same Person You Used to Know”; and Loco, whose songs include “Hold Me Tight,” “Respect” and “Awesome.” Ticket prices range from 45,000 won to 69,000 won. For reservations, visit ticket.interpark.com.
“Clazziquai Project”: Korean band Clazziquai Project, an experimental group that combines genres such as electronic, acid jazz and house, is holding its first concert in three years at 7 p.m. on Sept. 24 at the Blue Square Samsung Card Hall. The band will showcase songs from its seventh album, slated for release on Sept. 20. The album comes two years after the group’s last album, “Blink.” Comprised of three members DJ Clazzi, Horan and Alex, Clazziquai has released a handful of hit songs such as “Be My Love” and “She Is.” Tickets are priced at 90,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.
“Pia & Drug Restaurant”: Rock bands Pia and Drug Restaurant, formerly known as the Jung Joon Young Band, are putting up a joint concert on at 6 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the Blue Square Samsung Card Hall. Five-member band Pia, formed in 1998, is known for its wide range of alternative rock including nu metal, emocore and synth sounds. Notable singles include “Storm Is Coming,” “Shine,” “Jaoseon” and the July release “Midnight Run.” Drug Restaurant is a four-member band that focuses on garage and post-punk rock. Its songs include “Sunset,” “Alibi,” “Mistake” and “Sexy Bomb.” Pia will perform for the first 80 minutes, while Drug Restaurant will play for the next 80 minutes. Tickets are priced at 66,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com.
DanceSpanish dance group Thomas Noone Dance performs “Medea.” (Manu Lozano)
“Seoul International Dance Festival”: Seoul Selection of the International Dance Council CID-UNESCO will be hosting the 19th annual Seoul International Dance Festival from Sept. 24 to Oct. 15. From the French dance company Carolyn Carlson Company to the Madrid-based Larumbe Danza, contemporary dancers from across the globe will gather for the multi-week festival to showcase modern performances that highlight both Western and Eastern arts. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won, and can be reserved at sidance.org. For inquiries, call (02) 3216-1185.
“The Scent of Ink”: The National Dance Company of Korea will be presenting “The Scent of Ink” at the Haeoreum Grand Theater of the National Theater of Korea in Seoul from Oct. 6-8 at 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and at 3 p.m. on Saturday. Inspired by the works of the late choreographer Choi Hyeon, the six scenes of the performance represent the plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo, and each plant’s respective seasons, spring, summer, autumn and winter. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 70,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (02) 2280-4114.
“Romeo and Juliet”: Universal Ballet will be presenting Kenneth MacMillan’s “Romeo and Juliet” from Oct. 22-29 at the Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater. This is the first time in four years that the group is performing the iconic Shakespeare tragedy that unfolds between two star-crossed lovers. The performance will begin at 8 p.m. from Tuesday to Friday, at 7 p.m. on Saturday, and at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 120,000 won and are available at sacticket.co.kr or ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (070) 7124-1737.
“The Nutcracker”: The Korean National Ballet will be performing the holiday classic “The Nutcracker” at the Cheonan Arts Center from Dec. 6-7. Originally choreographed by Petipa and Ivanov, the two-act ballet boasts score by the legendary composer Tchaikovsky. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 70,000 won, and are available at ticket.interpark.com or cnac.co.kr. For inquiries, call 1566-0155.
Exhibitions"Yin and Yang 15-S. 45" by Kim Ku-lim (Arario Gallery)
“Traces of Life and Death”: Arario Gallery is holding a solo exhibition of the Korea’s first-generation avant-garde artist Kim Ku-lim until Oct. 16. The 80-year-old artist presents seven new sculptures, installations and a video that symbolize “tragedies” of contemporary society seen in the Syrian migrant crisis and the recent tragic murders involving young children in Korea. For more information, visit
www.arariogallery.com.
“Personal Collection”: Atelier Hermes presents a solo exhibition of Jeong Geumg-hyung, winner of the 16th Hermes Foundation Misulsang. The prestigious art award, sponsored by the global fashion brand, has selected artist Jeong known for her interactive performances with exercise machines and mannequins that gradually transform into erotic actions. The exhibition, which runs until Oct. 23, showcases objects Jeong has used in her performances and stages on-site performances by Jeong on selected dates. For more information, call (02) 3015-3258.
“The Unfamiliar Walk”: Artist Lee Young-baek, who became known for his sold-out, imposing 2011 exhibition at the Korean pavilion of the 54th Venice Biennale, is holding a solo exhibition at Hakgojae Gallery with new works. The show features mirror installations and video works that reflect dualities of Korean society and the world seen through social media. This show traverses different genres in art ranging from sculpture and painting to media art, using various types of materials such as mirrors, aluminum sheets, motors and absorbents. The exhibition runs until Sept. 25. For more information, call (02) 720-1524.
“Unforseen”: Art and modern dance meet in a joint experimental performance project between the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea and the National Dance Company of Korea. The performances presented by 13 artists and teams are staged spontaneously at various spots of the museum, or presented in an exhibition format at the museum. The performances will combine unique features of contemporary art and dance traversing diverse fields of arts from visual art, film, poetry and dance media to sound. The performances run from Aug. 17 to Oct. 23 at the MMCA’s Seoul museum at 30 Samcheong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul. For more information, visit
www.mmca.go.kr.
“Archive of Mind”: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is hosting artist Kim Soo-ja’s solo show as part of its annual exhibition program sponsored by Hyundai Motor Company. The exhibition showcases the latest works by Kim, including site-specific installations, videos, sculptures and photos that explore the body and the mind. The exhibition runs until Feb. 5 at Gallery 5 and the museum’s courtyard. For more information, visit
www.mmca.go.kr.
“Body Flower”: Australian artist Emma Hack, known for body-painted illusionary artwork, is holding a solo exhibition at Savina Museum of Contemporary Art through Oct. 30. The museum is showcasing 49 photographs the artist created since 2005. The nine different series of photographs are themed with natural elements and reveal painted bodies camouflaged against background images. For more information, visit
www.savinamuseum.com.
“Nam June Paik Show”: Large-scale installations by Nam June Paik, including a few rarely seen in previous exhibitions of Paik’s works, are on display at the commemorative exhibition that celebrates the late artist’s 84th birthday. Highlight pieces of the exhibition, which opened on July 20 at Dongdaemun Design Plaza, include large video art installations “Turtle” and “M200,” which consist of many television monitors that each show imposing images created and edited by Paik. The exhibition runs until Oct. 30 at DDP. Tickets range from 5,000 won for children to 15,000 won for adults. For more information, visit
www.ddp.or.kr.
Lee Jung-seob: The National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea is presenting a solo exhibition of Korean art master Lee Jung-seob to mark the 100th anniversary of his birth. The exhibition showcases some 200 paintings and 100 pieces of related documents on loan from some 60 museums and collectors, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Divided into major periods of his artistic career from the 1930s to 1940s, the exhibition guides viewers through Lee’s tumultuous personal life and the early modern history of Korea. The Lee Jung-seob exhibition runs until Oct. 3 at the MMCA’s Deoksugung Palace museum. For more information, visit
www.mmca.go.kr.
Classical Music
Norwegian pianist Leif Ove Andsnes (Official Facebook)
“Royal Philharmonic Orchestra”: To celebrate its 70th season, the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (RPO) will be performing at the Seoul Arts Center on Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. Founded in 1946, RPO is known for adapting to the ever-changing modern music industry, contributing to soundtracks for video games, films and television shows. Accompanied by award-winning violinist Lim Ji-young, the British orchestra ensemble will present classic pieces from legendary composers, including Mendelssohn, Tchaikovsky and Brahms. Tickets range from 50,000 won to 250,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (02) 585-4055.
“Recomposed -- Daniel Hope & Zurich Chamber Orchestra”: British violinist Daniel Hope and the Zurich Chamber Orchestra will be performing classic pieces by Shostakovich, Bach, Ruegg and others at the Seoul Arts Theater on Oct. 4 at 8 p.m. Accompanied by flutists Paik Soo-hyun and Philipp Jundt and pianist Francois-Xavier Poizat, the concert will conclude with British composer Max Richter’s rendition of Vivaldi’s “The Four Seasons.” Tickets range from 40,000 won to 120,000 won and can be reserved at
www.sacticket.co.kr or ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (02) 541-2512.
“Gabriele Carcano Piano Recital”: As the fourth performance of the Italian pianist series, Gabriele Carcano will be playing at the Tongyeong Concert Hall in South Gyeongsang Province at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 11. Currently an instructor at Accademia di Musica in Pinerolo, Italy, Carcano is known to be the last understudy of the late Italian-French pianist Aldo Ciccolini. Carcano will be performing pieces by Mozart, Brahms and Liszt. Tickets range from 20,000 won to 30,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com. For inquiries, call (055) 650-0400.
“Leif Ove Andsnes Piano Recital”: Globally-acclaimed Norwegian pianist and chamber musician Leif Ove Andsnes will be performing at the Lotte Concert Hall in Seoul on Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. Called “a pianist of magisterial elegance, power, and insight” by The New York Times, he completed the Beethoven piano concerto cycle with the Mahler Chamber Orchestra last summer. Andsnes will be presenting pieces from Schubert, Sibelius, Grieg, Debussy and Chopin. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 70,000 won and can be reserved at ticket.interpark.com or at lotteconcerthall.com. For inquiries, call 1544-7744.
TheaterPromotional image of the new musical “Dorian Gray” (CJeS Culture)
“Dorian Gray”: Starring K-pop mega star Kim Jun-su, CJeS Culture is unveiling its first original production -- a musical adaptation of Oscar Wilde‘s 19th century philosophical novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray.” The new musical was scripted by Cho Yong-shin, directed by Lee Gi-na and features music composed by Kim Moon-jeong. “Dorian Gray” will be staged from Sept. 3 to Oct. 29 at the Seongnam Arts Center’s Opera House. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.
“Kinky Boots”: The mega hit Broadway musical Kinky Boots is making its way back to Seoul once again. Based on the book by Tony-winner Harvey Fierstein and with music and lyrics by Tony, Emmy and Grammy-winner Cyndi Lauper, the musical tells the true story Charlie Price who goes to oddly extreme lengths to save his father’s shoe factory. The local production will star Lee Ji-hoon, Kim Ho-young, Jung Seong-hwa and Kang Jong-seok. “Kinky Boots” will be staged from Sept. 02 to Nov. 13 at the Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1544-1555.
“Peste”: A musical based on the tragic tale of French author Albert Camus’ “The Plague” combined with the sounds of legendary K-pop icon Seo Tai-ji, new local musical “Peste” is hitting the stage this summer. The musical that tells the horrifically graphic tale of the deadly plague that sweeps the Algerian coastal city will star Son Ho-young of g.o.d., Kim Da-hyeon, Park Eun-seok, Kim Do-hyun, Oh So-yeon, Linzy of Fiestar and Jeong-min of Boyfriend. “Peste” will be staged from July 20 to Sept. 30 at the LG Arts Center in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1577-3363.
“Bare, The Musical”: The critically-acclaimed Off Broadway production, “Bare, The Musical,” has once again returned to Seoul. The musical follows the story of the secret romantic relationship of two high school students at a Catholic boarding school, Peter and Jason. While Peter wants to make their relationship public, Jason is reluctant for fear of losing his popular social status. The local rendition of the performance stars Jung Won-young, Kim Seung-dae, Seong Du-seop and Suh Kyung-soo. “Bare” will be staged at the Doosan Art Center’s Yongkang Hall in Seoul until Sept. 4. Ticket prices are listed at 66,000 won and 88,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212.
“Sweeney Todd, The Musical”: The gruesome tale of a man filled with vengeance, the musical tale of the demon barber of Fleet Street is hitting the Seoul stage. Sweeney Todd follows the life of Benjamin Barker, who, after being wrongfully accused of a crime, takes his vengeance on the people of London by murdering the patrons of his barbershop. Starring Ock Joo-hyun, Cho Seung-woo, Yang Jun-mo and Jeon Mi-do, the musical will be staged at the Charlotte Theater in Songpa-gu until Oct. 3. Ticket prices range from 60,000 won to 140,000 won. For more information, call 1588-5212.