ROYAL MUSIC AT NIGHT ― Musicians practice Jongmyo Jeryeak, the UNESCO-listed royal ancestral ritual music, at Jongmyo, a Confucian shrine for Joseon kings and queens in Seoul, on Thursday. The grandiose royal music will be performed at night from Sept. 26-28. (Yonhap)

Classical music

Chung Myung-whun piano recital: Maestro Chung Myung-whun will hold his first recital tour of Korea as a pianist, not as a conductor as he is widely known now, starting in Changwon on Oct. 5. He will play in Daegu on Oct. 12 and then at Seoul Arts Center on Dec. 27. The Goyang and Daejeon recitals are scheduled for early next year. The program consists mostly of short piano pieces by Brahms and Chopin. Ticket prices range from 44,000 won to 132,000 won. For details, call 02)558-4588.

Murray Perahia and ASMF: The London-based chamber orchestra Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields is coming to Korea for two concerts in November, together with celebrated pianist Murray Perahia.

Perahia will join the concerts, to be held at Seoul Arts Center on Nov. 10-11, as a conductor and piano soloist. The program includes Beethoven’s piano concerto “The Emperor” on Nov. 10 and Haydn’s Symphony No. 94 in G Major “Surprise” on Nov. 11. Ticket prices range from 50, 000 won to 200,000 won. For details, call 1577-5266 or visit www.clubbalcony.com.

Tetzlaff Quartet: The string quartet led by world-renowned violinist Christian Tetzlaff will hold its debut concert in Seoul at LG Arts Center on Oct. 2. Consisting of two violinists (Elisabeth Kufferath and Tetzlaff himself), violist Hanna Weinmeister and cellist Tanja Tetzlaff, the ensemble will play a recital of quartets by Mozart, Widmann and Beethoven. Tickets cost from 40,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

“Romeo et Juliette”: The Korea National Opera will present nightly performances of the French opera “Romeo et Juliette” at Seoul Arts Center in southern Seoul from Oct. 2-5. Based on William Shakespeare’s play of the same title, the opera by French composer Charles Gounod is most recognized for its four beautiful duets between the lovers, as well as Juliette’s waltz. The upcoming production is directed by Elijah Moshinsky, who helmed the KNO’s “Don Carlos” last year. Renowned tenor Francesco Demuro will sing opposite Russian soprano Irina Lungu as Romeo and Juliette, with the other pair being Korean singers Kang Jung-woo and Anna Sohn. Julian Kovatchev will conduct the Korean Symphony Orchestra. Tickets run from 10,000 won to 150,000 won. For details, visit www.nationalopera.org.

Soprano Suh Ye-ree recital: Germany-based soprano Suh Ye-ree, renowned for her wide repertoire, from Baroque to contemporary music, will perform at LG Arts Center on Oct. 3 in her first solo recital in her home country. In the concert, titled “‘Alte & Neue,” she will perform compositions of a wide range of composers: Frederic Handel, Gyorgy Ligeti, Chin Unsuk and Isang Yun, with Holger Groschopp from the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra on piano and Markus Markl on organ and harpsichord. Ticket prices range from 30,000 won to 70,000 won. For details, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.lgart.com.

Lim Dong-min and Lim Dong-hyek recital: Brother pianists Lim Dong-min and Lim Dong-hyek will hold their first joint recital in nine years to present the complete Chopin concertos at Seoul Arts Center on Oct. 4. Dong-min, the older brother, will play the first concerto, while Dong-hyek will take on the composer’s second concerto, both with Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra and its conductor Sung Shi-yeon. Tickets cost from 30,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call 1577-5266.


Theater

“Panic Fears”: Based on Russian writer and playwright Anton Chekhov’s short story of the same name, writer Go Jae-gwi restructures the story staging Chekhov as the protagonist of the play to shed light on the writer’s life and his works. Under the theme “Fear of Life,” the play talks about human desire and weaknesses in the face of hardship. “Panic Fears” runs from Sept. 25 to Oct. 5 at Sogang University Mary Hall, near Daeheung Station on Line 6. Ticket prices are 25,000 won. For more information, visit www.greenpig.dreamartplay.com or call 02-922-0826. 

“Medea”: The National Changgeuk Company of Korea is staging the “changgeuk” version of Euripides’ Greek tragedy “Medea” in an effort to make changgeuk, a form of Korean traditional opera, more accessible to the public. The epic tale centers on Medea, a princess of Colchis, who takes revenge after her husband Jason betrays her by killing people he loves, even their kids. “Medea” will run from Oct. 1-5 at the National Theater of Korea, near Dongguk University Station on Line 3. Ticket ranges from 20,000 won to 70,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2280-4114 or visit www.ntok.go.kr.

“Sad Play”: A play directed and written by Min Bok-ki, president of the Chaimu Theater Company, “Sad Play” returns to the stage for the third time since 2004. The play centers on a married couple preparing to say goodbye to each other, as the husband is slowly dying and the wife is trying to avoid the saddening reality. They listen to an old pop song together, reminisce about the first time they met and reconstruct old memories together while searching for hope and joy amid tragedy. “Sad Play” will run through Nov. 2 at Daehakro Art One Theater, near Hyehwa Station on Line 4. Ticket prices are 35,000 won. For details, call (02)762-0010.

“The Devil”: An original Korean musical based on the theme of the Faustian bargain, “The Devil” premiered at Doosan Art Center on Aug. 22. Set in 20th-century New York, it tells the story of three characters ― John Faust, his girlfriend Gretchen and the devilish character “X.” Directed by Lee Gina, with music by Woody Park and Lee Ji-hye, the production stars Michael Lee and Han Ji-sang as X and Cha Ji-youn as Gretchen. “The Devil” will run through Oct. 12 at Yonkang Hall of Doosan Art Center near Exit 1 of Jongno 5-ga Station on Line 1. Tickets are 50,000 won and 80,000 won. For details, call 3444-0677.

“Priscilla”: A jukebox musical from Australia, “Priscilla” is getting a Korean premiere. Full of well-known pop songs including “It’s Raining Men,” “True Colors,” “Material Girl” and “I Will Survive,” the show tells the story of two drag queens and a transsexual who travel from Sydney to a remote town in the Australian desert aboard their lavender bus, Priscilla, to put on a drag show. The cast includes Cho Sung-ha, a TV actor making his musical debut, Korean-American musical actor Michael Lee, 2AM member Jo Kwon and singer-turned-musical actor Lee Ji-hoon. “Priscilla” runs through Sept. 29 at LG Arts Center near Exit 7 of Yeoksam Station. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 130,000 won. For details, visit www.musicalpriscilla.co.kr or call 1577-3363.

“Rebecca”: A suspenseful musical from Austria, “Rebecca” is being staged in Korea for the second time at Blue Square in Hannam-dong, Seoul. Based on the 1938 gothic novel of the same name by Daphne du Maurier and the movie by Alfred Hitchcock, the musical is written by Michael Kunze and Sylvester Levay, a duo well known in Korea for their works “Mozart!” and “Elisabeth.” The tragic tale revolves around Manderley, a stately mansion owned by Maxim DeWinter, who lost his wife Rebecca in an accident. Memories of his beautiful dead wife keep haunting him, his new bride and the mansion’s mysterious and obsessive housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers. The cast features some big-name musical actors and actresses including Oh Man-seok, Oak Joo-hyun and Shin Young-sook. It runs until Nov. 9. Tickets run from 60,000 won to 130,000 won. For details, call (02) 6391-6333.


Pop music

“John Legend: The All of Me Tour”: The globally recognized U.S. R&B singer John Legend is making his way back to Seoul for an intimate acoustic solo concert in September. The nine-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter has released countless hits over his illustrious 13-year musical career, including his most recent single “All of Me.” In 2007, Legend was honored with the Starlight Award from the Songwriters Hall of Fame. The R&B artist will be performing live at the Uniqlo AX Hall in Seoul on Sept. 28. Tickets for the show are listed at 132,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Grand Mint Festival”: This year’s annual two-day Grand Mint Festival will feature veteran rock band Sister’s Barbershop, popular acoustic duo 10cm, Glen Check, Romantic Punch, Verbal Jint, the Peppertones, Peterpan Complex and many more. The upcoming festival will be held at the Olympic Park in Seoul, and will have five different stages. The 2014 Grand Mint Festival will be held on Oct. 18 and 19. Ticket prices are listed at 88,000 won for a one-day pass and 140,000 won for a two-day pass. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Mariah Carey”: American R&B diva Mariah Carey will being making her first return to Korea in more than a decade with her upcoming solo concert in Seoul. In her near 25-year music career, the five-time Grammy-winning artist has sold more than 200 million records worldwide, gaining recognition as not only one of the world’s most successful female singers, but also one of the best-selling music artists of all time. In May, Carey unveiled her latest album, “Me. I am Mariah ... The Elusive Chanteuse,” which debuted at No. 3 in the U.S. Carey is slated to perform at Seoul Olympic Park’s 88 Field on Oct. 8. Tickets for the show range from 66,000 won to 198,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Jeff Bernat”: Up-and-coming R&B singer-songwriter and producer Jeff Bernat is making his way back to Korea with a special three-day concert series to be held in Seoul next month. This will be the artist’s second visit to Seoul this year after a sold-out show at Uniqlo AX Hall in January. Bernat’s popular single “Call You Mine” was featured in the Korean drama “You Are My Destiny,” gaining him recognition among local fans. Bernat is slated to perform three live shows, from Oct. 17-19, at the Lotte Card Art Center. The shows will also include guest performances by local talents Eric Nam and Esna. Tickets to Bernat’s upcoming concert can be purchased online for 99,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.


Dance

“The Love of Chunhyang”: Korea’s Universal Ballet Company is staging its original ballet “The Love of Chunhyang” in September, in celebration of its 30th anniversary. Based on the famous Korean folktale “Chunhyangjeon,” the ballet tells the story of Chun-hyang, a low-class courtesan’s daughter who is rewarded for staying faithful while imprisoned for refusing to be a governor’s mistress during her husband’s absence. The show runs from Sept. 27-28 at the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts in central Seoul. Tickets range from 10,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 399-1114.

“The Seventh Symphony & The Rite of Spring”: The Korean National Ballet is prepping for its upcoming staging of the “The Rite of Spring” by Igor Stravinsky and Uwe Scholz’s “Seventh Symphony.” The performance combines the dance performance of Beethoven’s famous Symphony No. 7 and the classic choreography of “The Rite of Spring,” which was originally created by the American dancer and choreographer Glen Tetley in 1974. The KNB’s upcoming performance of “The Seventh Symphony & The Rite of Spring” will be staged from Oct. 16-19 at Seoul Arts Center’s Opera Theater. Tickets range from 5,000 won to 80,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.

“Cross Cut”: The Korea National Contemporary Dance Company is slated to stage its upcoming return performance of “Cross Cut.” The show is a modern, subjective dance piece that will feature sets of Korean traditional dance, contemporary, ballet and street dancing. This year’s production of “Cross Cut” will be held for one day only at the Bupyeong Arts Center in Incheon on Oct. 1. Ticket prices are listed at 30,000 won. For more information, call (02) 3141-3488 or visit www.interpark.com.


Festival

Yeongnam Alps Silver Grass Festival: The trekking festival will be held from Oct. 6-7 in the mountainous area near the city of Ulsan. Dubbed “Yeongnam Alps,” the festival location contains seven mountain peaks. Famous for its beautiful scenery, the area has been a popular trekking spot for hikers nationwide. The festival will have a variety of outdoor activities such as a mountain marathon, a trekking competition and concerts. The 29.7-kilometer-long trail “Haneul Eoksae-gil (Sky and Silver Grass trail), makes it easier for hikers to move from one peak to another along the Yeongnam Alps. In an attempt to attract more visitors to the mountain area, Ulsan Metropolitan Government plans to install a cable car on top of Mount Sinbulsan by the year 2017 to make mountains more accessible to visitors, according to Choi Sang-hyuk, an official from the tourism division of Ulsan Metropolitan Government. For more information, visit www.yeongnamalps.kr, or call (052) 229-3874. 

Sancheong Medicinal Herb Festival: This Oriental medicine festival takes place in Sancheong, known for the quality of its medicinal herbs, from Oct. 2-9. The village on Mount Jirisan is also where the renowned doctor and author of the ancient Korean medical book “Heo Jun” conducted his medical practice. This year’s festival showcases the latest Oriental medicine trends, treatments and health information. Visitors will also get the chance to receive free consultations and treatments at the festival. Activities will be held at Donguibogam village and the festival plaza in Sancheong, South Gyeongsang Province. For more information, call (055) 970-6000.

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival: This festival celebrates lantern customs in the region that date back to the Japanese invasion of 1592. Lanterns were used as a military ploy to prevent Japanese troops from crossing the Namgang River and also as a means of conveying personal wishes. The festival has celebrated the custom since 2000 with a variety of programs including a lantern parade, a lantern float on a lake and lantern exhibitions. The festival will take place from Oct. 1-12 along the Namgang River. For more information, visit www.yudeung.com.

Suncheon Bay Reeds Festival: An annual reed festival will be held at the well-preserved wetlands of Suncheon Bay from Oct. 17-19. The festival at Suncheon Bay Garden and other venues throughout the city offers visitors a chance to walk along the popular reed path and appreciate the serene landscape. During the festival, craft-making classes using reeds will be held and visitors will be able to stay in a reed hut. Other highlights include a cooking competition for local chefs and a party where visitors are invited to try a variety of local dishes. For more information, visit http://reeds.suncheon.go.kr.


Exhibition

“Life of Always a Mirror”: Artist Kim Sung-hwan, well-known for his interdisciplinary works and the exhibition at Tate Modern in 2012, is holding a solo exhibition at Art Sonje Center in Seoul. Titled “Life of Always a Mirror,” the exhibition integrates video works, drawings, installations, architecture and performance in a single exhibition space. The artist presents video works, including “A-DA-DA,” which he made after watching a student stutter in a college class, and “Temper Clay,” which reads Shakespeare’s “King Lear” as a disciplinary issue around property distribution and places in the context of Korean modern history. Kim presents mirror installations that reflect his video works and drawings. The exhibition runs through Nov. 30 at Art Sonje Center in Jongno, Seoul. For more information, call (02) 733-8945. 

“The Art of Dansaekhwa”: Kukje Gallery in Seoul brings together the works of key Dansaekhwa artists from the 1970s and 1980s in the exhibition “The Art of Dansaekhwa,” which runs through Oct. 19. Curated by Yoon Jin-seob, art curator and promoter of the term Dansaekhwa in the global art world, the exhibition showcases some 18 monochrome paintings, offering insight into the Korean Dansaekhwa movement and its distinctive style. For more information, call (02) 735-8449.

Gwangju Biennale: The 10th Gwangju Biennale kicked off on Sept. 5 with 413 works by 111 artists from 38 countries under the theme of “Burning Down the House.” The biennale examines the potential of art as a movement by exploring contemporary artists’ efforts to address personal and public issues, according to Jessica Morgan, artistic director of Gwangju Biennale 2014. The exhibition will continue through Nov. 9 at the Gwangju Biennale Exhibition Hall and other venues throughout the city. For more information, visit www.gwangjubiennale.org.

Mediacity Seoul: Korea’s largest showcase of media art will be held at the Seoul Museum of Art from Sept. 2 to Nov. 23. The eighth media art biennale, titled “Ghosts, Spies and Grandmothers,” brings together 452 teams of media artists from 51 countries. The exhibition explores several themes: ghosts stand for the forgotten history and traditions of Asia, spies symbolize memories of the Cold War, and grandmothers are a metaphor for women in the colonial era. On Sept. 1, the Seoul Saenam exorcism, registered as an intangible cultural property of Korea, will be performed to celebrate the opening of the exhibition. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.mediacityseoul.kr.