[The Korea Herald]2007.05.19 /
EVENTS CALENDAR
Exhibition
"Andy Warhol Factory": To mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic artists death, the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art has co-organized an exhibition that presents 205 works of the prolific artist, including "Campbell Soup Can" series, "Silver Liz," "Red Jackie" and "Flowers."
Warhol (1928-1987), an iconic artist and one of the leading pop artists along with Roy Lichtenstein, James Rosenquist, Robert Indiana and Claes Oldenburg, not only led in breaking down the barrier between popular and fine arts, but his influence transcends beyond the realm into visual arts, from photography and design to films and advertisements, and more.
The exhibition runs through June 10 at Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art located near Exit 1, Hangangjin Station, Subway Line No. 6. Detailed account of the exhibition is offered in English on weekend at 2 p.m. Extended hours on Thursdays. Closed on Mondays. For details, visit www.leeum.org
"De Millet a Bonnard": Musee dOrsays precious collection of 19th century modern art including Jean-Francois Millets "LAngelus" (1857-9), Edouard Manet "Le Fifre" (1866), Edgar Degas "LOrchestre de lOpera" (1868-9), Paul Gauguins "Femmes de Tahiti ou Sur la plage" (1891) and Vincent Van Goghs "La Chambre de Van Gogh a Arles" (1889) have been brought to Seoul.
The exhibition chronicles the history of modern art by showing the works of master artists from Millet to Pierre Bonnard. Pieces from Manet, the pioneer of modernism, are followed by those of Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Claude Monet who led the peak of 19th century art, as well as post-impressionists Gaugain and Van Gogh, neo-expressionists Paul Signac.
The exhibition runs through Sept. 2 at Hangaram Design Museum, located near Nambu Terminal Station, Subway Line No. 3. Audio guide service introducing 23 exhibited artworks is offered. The museum is closed on every last Monday of the month. For details, visit www.orsay2007.co.kr
"Louise Bourgeois: Abstractions": French-born sculptor Louise Bourgeois (1911- ) has carved out a unique spot for herself with her original and unconventional works, which are also very personal. She started sculpting in the late 1940s in New York, and her works became bolder using a variety of materials and by the 1970s were strong and unconventional, making her one of the most prominent artists of the 20th century. To mark the 25th anniversary and the opening of its annex, Kukje Gallery has brought Bourgeois works from the 1940s to 2006 focusing on the abstract aspects.
The exhibition runs through June 29 at the annex building of Kukje Gallery, located near Auguk Station, Subway Line No. 3. For details, visit www.kukjegallery.com
"Collectors Choice: Collection 2": An exhibition addresses the issue of "collector and collection," by inviting five private collectors, three from Korea and two from Japan, and asking them to curate their own part of the exhibition to allow viewers a peek into their private collections. One collector, using the initial "K," has been collecting art over the past three decades and prefers contemporary art as he thinks "its very important for us to appreciate the works of living artists." Another collector, "P," has also been collecting for 30 years and even installs most of them on his own. Japanese collector Daisuke Miyatsu is an inspiration to those who only have a limited budget to purchase art, showing how anyone can have a decent collection if they develop their own aesthetic.
The exhibition runs through July 8 at the Daelim Contemporary Art Museum, located near Gyeongbokgung Station, Subway Line No. 3. For details, visit www.daelimmuseum.org
"Van Gogh to Picasso: Masterworks from the Cleveland Museum of Art": This encore exhibition extends the opportunity to chronicle modern western paintings and sculptures, especially those of impressionists. With over 90 masterpieces from the Cleveland Museum of Art, one of the most important art museums in the United States, the exhibition takes viewers from the late 19th century into the 20th century. Master paintings by luminaries such as Manet, Monet, Renoir and Degat are followed by those of post-impressionists Van Gogh, Gaugin and Cezanne, before the show moves into the next century, which saw the avant-garde movement of Picasso, Matisse and Modigliani. Rodins sculptures as well as modern works of Mondrian are also included.
The exhibition runs through tomorrow at SOMA Museum of Art, located near Mongchontoseong Station, Subway Line No. 8. For details, visit www.somamuseum.org
"Traditional Garden in Korean Art": To celebrate the 10th anniversary of its traditional garden "Heuiwon" Ho-am Art Museum is holding an exhibition themed traditional garden. With a total of 41 artworks including one designated treasure, the exhibition rediscovers traditional gardens --from landscaping to concepts and philosophical backgrounds-- and extends to nature and harmony found in traditional Korean art. The show also is part of the museums biannual theme exhibits on traditional culture of Korea.
The exhibition runs through Sept. 2 at Ho-am Art Museum in Yong-in, Gyeonggi Province. Closed on Mondays. For details, visit www.hoammuseum.org
"Max Beckmann Print Works": Max Beckmann (1884-1950) devoted his art to delving into the progress of human beings in an historical context, exploiting his own life which was characterized by war and exile. Through his participation in WWI and observations in WWII, the German artist found some faith by portraying the suffering and brutality of men, as well as exploring his own dark, personal impressions. And the first Max Beckmann exhibition in Asia, subtitled "self-portrait of the artist and his time" presents a total of 98 print works of portrait prints by him known as "the artists artist."
The exhibition runs through June 22 at Museum of Art Seoul National University, located about 5-minute ride from Seoul National University Station, Subway Line No.2. Closed on Sundays. For details, visit www.snumoa.org
"Maggie & Jerry": Jerry N. Uelsmann, one of the avid advocates of "post-visualization," believes that the whole process of photography, including making prints and using multiple negatives, is equally significant in creating a complete work of art. Working exclusively with analog tools, his cleverly and elaborately maneuvered photographs are shown next to the digital works of his protege and wife Maggie Taylor at an exhibition in Seoul, making them even more interesting to viewers. Their insightful photographs are often surreal yet intriguing, touched with a sense of humor, and expressing visions that consist of notions, experiences and thoughts.
The exhibition runs through June 9 at The Museum of Photography, Seoul, located near Mongchontoseong Station, Subway Line No. 8. Closed on Sundays. A lecture on "Digital Photography and Composite Prints" is scheduled for May 23. Workshops for families are offered every Saturday free of charge. For details, visit www.photomuseum.or.kr
"Funney & Strange": Even those not familiar with photography would recognize William Wegmans pictures of dogs, including the most famous one, Man Ray (after the legendary photographer). The photographer effortlessly mixes profoundness and humor with photographs of his pets that seem to tell stories of their own. Wegman was an early exponent of conceptual art and pioneer of video installations, and his first solo exhibition in Seoul chronicles four decades of his career, displaying over 110 works including paintings, drawings and video installations, as well as the well-known photographs.
The exhibition runs through July 22 at Sungkok Art Museum, located near Gyeongbokgung Station, Subway Line No. 3. Closed on Mondays. For details, visit www.sungkokmuseum.com
"Reconstructing Masterpieces": Twenty local artists have reinterpreted classic art into their own contemporary versions of paintings, sculptures and installations. The Venus de Milo gets a face lift in Debbie Hans drawing "Venus" and a breast augmentation in Lee Byung-hos sculpture "Volume Up Venus." Images of Marilyn Monroe, often featured in the works of Andy Warhol, and traditional Korean landscape paintings are digitalized and reborn by Lee Jung Seung-won and Lee Mi-nam.
The exhibition runs through tomorrow at the Savina Museum of Contemporary Art, located near Anguk Station, Subway Line No. 3. For details, visit www.savinamuseum.com
"The legend of photojournalism, Robert Capa": A total of 140 works of legendary photojournalist Robert Capa (1913-1954) are on display, illustrating how a silent picture can speak louder than thousands of words. The war correspondent documented five wars, including the Spanish Civil War and World War II, before he lost his life to a mine during the first Indochina War. "If your pictures aren good enough, you
e not close enough," he once said.
The exhibition runs through May 26 at Hangaram Design Museum, located near Nambu Terminal Station, Subway Line No. 3. For details, visit www.designgallery.or.kr
"Charlotte Perriand": Perriand (1903-1999) was one of the most influential furniture designers of the early modern movement, collaborated with Le Corbusier and Pierre Jeanneret, and developed a series of objects that have become "landmarks of 21st century design" including tubular steel chairs.
Perriand was first inspired by the machine aesthetics and evolved to expand her scope of materials including wood. Her free form table (circa 1958) seamlessly made out of mahogany fully demonstrates her aesthetics with its timeless simplicity and summarizes Perriands career of over seven decades devoted to "a sincere and constant search for a modern living art."
The exhibition runs through June 30 at Kukje Gallery, located near Anguk Station, Subway Line No. 3. For details, visit www.kukjegallery.com
"Kim Soo-kang": The thirty-something painter-turned-photographer sticks to the analogue printing technique of gum bichromate, in a way to create a work that is half painting and half photography. Her Zen-like works bring out delicate and subtle shades and textures of miscellaneous objects found in everyday life, and at the same time add a modern vibe to traditional items, such as wrapping cloths and white porcelains.
Her solo exhibition at Gallery Kong looks back on the decade of Kims career and includes the works from her most well-known series of "Bojagi" and "White Vessels."
The exhibition runs through May 27 at Gallery Kong, located near Anguk Station, Subway Line No. 3. The gallery is closed on Mondays. For details, visit www.gallerykong.com
"Ungno Lee": Painter Lee Ung-no (1904-1989) constantly sought challenge and pursuing a way to push the envelope of traditional painting in an effort to bring it into a universal, contemporary art world. Simple, clean, noble and sophisticated are the characteristics of Koreans, the artist said, and based on this as well as the lines and compositions found in oriental paintings and calligraphy, he has developed a unique style of painting.
The exhibition runs through May 24 at Gana Art Center in Pyeongchang-dong. For details, visit www.ganaart.com
"1970s Korean Art": The exhibition looks back at 1970s art with over 80 works presented at four major art exhibitions from the decade in an attempt to find the link between the past and the present through the figurative language of the 1970s, when political and ideological repression drove artists deeper into a more pure form of art; abstract art became prevalent, against which hyper-realism sprang out, laying the groundwork for diverse, experimental and avant-garde contemporary art.
The exhibition runs through June 24 at Hangaram Design Museum, located near Nambu Terminal Station, Subway Line No. 3. It will be closed on May 28. For details, visit www.sac.or.kr
"Trauriger Tiger Toastet Tomaten" (Sad Tiger Toasted Tomatoes): Ci Kim, an avid art collector and owner of Arario Galleries in Cheonan, Seoul and Beijing, is holding a fourth solo exhibition inspired by the illustrations from Nadia Buddes book.
Besides amassing a massive collection of artworks from around the world and working on expanding Arario Gallery in Cheonan, Kim has been devoting his time to art, constantly seeking a unique world of his own through a diverse range of media.
The exhibition runs through May 27 at Arario Gallery in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province, located next to the bus terminal. For details, visit www.arariogallery.com
"Heo Geon": A retrospective commemorates the 20th anniversary of death of Heo Geon (1908-1987), one of the most respected modern painters, who pioneered the genre of neo-namjonghwa (Chinese painting of the Southern School), which combined western style with the schools spare, black and white, scholarly paintings.
Also known as Namnong, his penname, Heo was not content to master certain styles, and sought novel value in Korean paintings through establishing a neo-southern painting style, mainly portraying landscape and pine trees with his unique pointillism and dry brush strokes. The retrospective shows how the innovative painter found his own style by a constant effort and balancing tradition and modernism.
The exhibition runs through June 10 at the National Museum of Art Deoksugung, located near City Hall Station, Subway Line No. 1 or 2. Closed on Mondays. For details, visit www.moca.go.kr/deoksugung.jsp
"Giants in Illusion": An exhibition showcasing the works of Chinese and Korean artists beckons viewers with its treatment of how illusions emerge and fade away in the consciousness and unconsciousness. The show displays works of 13 contemporary artists from China and Korea, including Zhang Xiaogang, Yue Minjun, Yang Shaobin, Ko Young-hoon, Kang Hong-goo and Jung Yeon-doo, and delivers an opportunity to compare them, sharing the contemporariness and questioning self-consciousness yet being unique due to differences in historical and cultural backgrounds.
The exhibition, cohosted by Beijing Gong Gallery and Sejong Cultural Center, also celebrates the 15th anniversary of friendship between Korea and China, and runs through June 4 at Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, located near Gyeongbokgung Station, Subway Line No. 3. Docent guided tours are offered twice daily. For details, visit www.sejongpac.or.kr
"Memory Unforgettable: Georg Baselitzs Russian Paintings": Georg Baselitz (1938- ), a leading neo-expressionist artist, is known for his bold brush strokes, vivid colors and thick layers of pigments that intrigue and stir up the emotions of viewers, almost to the extent of being violent. Another distinctive feature of his paintings is the upside-down composition which he has used since 1969. His more recent series, "Russian Paintings," shown for the first time in non-European country, merge socialist realism with his own imagination as he revives communist propaganda on canvas. The series, created between 1998 and 2002, is relieved of his signature impasto surfaces and more like watercolors with lighter texture and transparency, in contrast to the heavy theme.
The exhibition runs through July 15 at the National Museum of Contemporary Art, Korea in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi Province. Shuttle buses are available at Seoul Grand Park Station, Subway Line No. 4. Closed on Mondays. For details, visit www.moca.go.kr
"Monet: From Instant to Eternity": A retrospective exhibition of Claude Monet (1840-1926), the pioneer of impressionism, will be held for the first time in Korea next month. Over 60 paintings created by the French master will be brought to Seoul.
The exhibit focuses on his fascination of light and his recurring water lily theme instead of chronicling his career in sequence, with more than 20 series of "Water Lilies" paintings that summarize his world of art, in which he brought nature and all its color, light and life onto the canvas, and moreover brought about the radical changes in perception at the core of Impressionism.
The show will consist of five themes: Landscape on Water of the water lily series, Portrait of Family, Garden of Giverny, River Seine and Sea, and Light of Europe. The exhibition runs from June 6 to Sept. 26 at Seoul Museum of Art, located near City Hall Station, Subway Line No. 1 or 2. Closed on Mondays except for Sept. 24. For details, visit www.monet.kr
Musical
"West Side Story": The Korean language adaptation of the musical "West Side Story" will be staged hits the stage at Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul from May 26 to July 1. Conceptualized by legendary modern dancer Jerome Robbins, the musical retells the Romeo and Juliet tragedy of feuding families set in the upper west side of New York City in the 1950s. It deals with racial strife between a newly arrived Puerto Rican street gang and second-generation Americans from a white, European background. The Seoul Musical Company, which produces the 2007 version of the musical said it will recreate the musical into a modern production that appeals to a younger generation. Ticket prices range from 50,000 won to 85,000 won. Call (02) 3141-1345 for more information.
"Kingdom of the Winds": The musical adaptation of fantasy comic series "Kingdom of the Winds," is currently being on at Towol Theater of the Seoul Arts Center, southern Seoul. It runs through May 25. Based on the ancient history of Goguryeo, the musical centers on the story of a fictional character King Moohyul and his ambition to expand his power to outer regions. Tickets are 30,000 won to 60,000 won. Call (02) 523-0986 for more information.
"King and I": The Broadway musical greets Korean fans at Main Hall, Hae of the Korea National Theater of Korea on May 18-29. The musical continues its show at ARAM Art Complex, Goyang city (June 2-9) and Sungnam Arts Center (June 15-24). Based on "Anna and the King of Siam" by Margaret Landon, the musical tells a story of Anna, an American governess, who tries to help the King of Siam to come close with the modern world, but he insists to keep his tradition, calling he is the ruler of his kingdom. The score which has been popular with the public includes "I Whistle A Happy Tunes," "Hello Young Lovers," "Getting To Know You," and "Shall We Dance?" The musical is performed in English with Korean subtitles. Ticket prices range from 40,000 won to 120,000 won. For more information, call (02) 541 - 2614 or visit www.kingandi.co.kr for more information.
"Innocent Steps": A musical based on a hit movie "Innocent Steps" is currently being staged at the Baekam Art Hall in Samsung-dong, southern Seoul. It runs through July 1. In "Innocent Steps," pop star Eugene plays Chae-rin, a Korean-Chinese girl who comes to Seoul on a residence visa issued through a fake marriage. As part of the deal, Chae-rin is forced to learn dancing for a national competition under the guidance of her husband Young-se, a frustrated professional dancer. The musical, like the film, portrays the life of the pure Chae-rin, who falls in love with Young-se while learning to dance. The film version featured popular teen star Moon Geun-young and actor Park Gun-hyung. It was fairly successful, with over 2.2 million viewers in 2005, when the film was released. Tickets are all 50,000 won. Call (02) 3446-3075 for more information.
"First Love": The homegrown musical featuring singer-turned-musical actress Hey and rising musical star Hong Gwang-ho, tries to portray the memory of first love, one that is sweet but can be returned to. Inspired by Marcel Pagnols "The Fanny" trilogy, the musical "First Love" tells of an innocent but tragic love story between Sun-I (played by Kim Hye-won a.k.a Hey) and Hae-soo (played by Hong Gwang-ho). The story of the Korean musical begins with Won-suk, Sun-Is son, visiting his seashore hometown. There he meets his mother and Mr. Park (Hae-soos father), the blind, who requests him to read a letter sent from his son. The three get informed that Hae-soo has died of malaria. Sun-I recalls her moments with her first love Hae-soo 30 years ago. "First Love" runs through June 17 at the former Seensee Musical Theater located at Daehangno, downtown Seoul. English subtitles are not provided. Tickets are 35,000 won to 45,000 won. Call (02) 3485-8700 for more information.
"Pororo and the Fairy": The musical adaptation of TV animation series will be staged at Changdong Seoul Open Theater located near Changdong subway station, line No. 4, on May 11-20. Pororo, a baby penguin, is also an animated character designed by the state-run broadcaster EBS, and is quite popular among kids under 10 years old. Through the musical, children are given chances to meet characters in real life, on stage, as opposed to on TV, and to learn the importance of friendship. Tickets are 25,000 won and 30,000 won. Call (02) 762-0810 for details.
Drama
"Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus": The drama adaptation of "Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus" will be performed from May 23 to July 22 at Yangsanback Small Theater in Daehangno, downtown Seoul. The first stage adaptation of the best-selling book explores the trials and triumphs of several relationships. The drama takes the formula --the differences on communicative style between opposite sex-- but applies details and stories in a very Korean style. Exemplifying three couples from three different age groups -- 20s, 30s and 40s -- the drama attempts to depict the problems and results of male-female relationships that Korean people might have experienced or will experience in the future. Ticket prices range from 10,000 won to 20,000 won. For more information and theater location call (02) 743-7250.
"The Pillowman": The Korean adaptation of Westend drama "The Pillowman" featuring Choi Min-sik, a veteran actor who garnered international acclaim through the smash hit movie, "Oldboy (2003)." The film grabbed the runner-up Grand Prize of the Jury at the Cannes Film Festival in 2004. Choi plays the leading role in the drama as a fiction writer named Katurian Katurian. Written by Martin McDonagh and directed by John Crowley, "The Pillowman" opens with the fiction writer Katurian being interrogated about crimes in his community that mirror the crimes in his short stories. Premiered in London in 2003, "The Pillowman" won the Olivier Award in London for best new play and won two Tony awards in 2005. The Korean version of the theatrical drama is currently being on at the LG Arts Center in southern Seoul until 20. Tickets are 30,000 won to 45,000 won. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114 or visit www.pillowman.co.kr
"Wuthering Heights": Song Hyun-ok, professor of acting at Sejong University and also wife of Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, stages "Wuthering Heights," a theatrical drama that combines choreography with acting. Based on the classic British novel of the same title by Emily Bronte, Songs new production shows off an unusual combination of contemporary dance and classical ballet coordinated with acting. Like the novel, the drama tries to tell the story of passionate yet frustrated love between Heathcliff and Catherine Earnshaw. The drama questions how this passionate love completely ruins both the lovers and the people around them. The drama "Wuthering Heights" hits the stage at Yesulmadang in Daehangno from today and runs through May 27. Tickets are 15,000 won to 30,000 won. Call (02) 745-3304 for more information
"Chil-soo and Man-soo": The 2007 version of the hit drama portrays ones break with his or her family, and a sense of isolation felt by lower class people often neglected by society. The drama is full of social innuendo, but it is surely an amusing theatrical piece produced in comic sketches. Chil-soo, a wild and waggish character, makes arguments with his painting partner Man-soo on issues in general but they try to embrace their wounded hearts and share their feelings of abandonment triggered by their poor social status. One day, Man-soo accidentally drops an aluminum bottle that was filled with painting fluid and it causes a multiple car crash on the street. Police misconceive the accident as a suicidal case, and try to stop them. The two painters also mistakenly think the police are trying to arrest them. The two, in despair, acknowledge that society would never try to understand them. They jump from the roof. The new version of "Chil-soo and Man-soo" is currently being staged at Yeonwoo Theater in Daehangno, downtown Seoul. It runs through July 29. Tickets are 25,000 won. Call (02) 762-0010 for more information.
Dance
"Traces by The 7 Fingers": Traces, a collective creation by the Canadian circus troupe will visit Korean fans on May 25-27 at Theatre Yong located in the National Museum of Korea. Performed by five talented young actors or acrobats, the contemporary circus production will show stunning acrobatics with an urban hip-hop flavor. Seven Fingers will perform at the Chuncheon Culture & Arts Center on June 1-2 after performances in Seoul. Ticket prices range from 20,000 won to 60,000 won. For more information call 1544-5955 or visit www.cfnmk.or.kr
"MODAFE 2007": The International Modern Dance Festival or MODAFE kicks off its two-week run from June 1 to 12 at Arko Arts Center and Mary Hall at Sogang University in Seoul. MODAFE is an annual festival that draws big names in contemporary dance from around the world. The avant-garde dance festival includes major artists such as French choreographer Josef Nadj, Benoit Lachambre of Canada and Takao Kawaguchi from Japan. It also includes world-renowned Zoo Dance Company and experimental duo Jonathan Burrows and Matteo Fargion from the United Kingdom. Ticket prices are 20,000 won to 90,000 won (discounted ticket packages are available). Visit www.modafe.org or call (02) 765-5352 for more information and a complete schedule of each performance.
"Quidam": The acclaimed show presented by world-famous Canadian circus troupe Cirque du Soleil, is currently being staged at Jamsil Sports Complex, southeastern Seoul. With a cast of 54 performers, the show involves breathtaking circus acrobatics such as juggling, contortionists and aerial acrobatics, featuring an inspirational character "Quidam" which leads audiences to an unknown, mythical but adventurous world. Quidam, Latin for anonymous passerby, describes a mysterious character in an alienated world. The show, led by the gothic character, was created in 1996, inspired by the people of New York City -- walking past each other with their heads down, not communicating. Tickets are 55,000 won to 200,000 won.
For more information and ticket reservation visit www.quidam2007.co.kr or call (02) 541-3150. The show runs for two and half hours. Children aged under five are advised not to attend the show. The performance runs from March 29 to June 3.
Festival
"Daegu Intl Musical Festival": Aspiring to become Asias center for musicals, Daegu is holding the first Daegu International Musical Festival from May 20 to July 2 at Daegu Opera House and four other venues in the city. The festival is scheduled to stage a total of 26 musicals at five separate venues around the city. The festival features "Wild Jujubes" by Chinas Shanxi Huajin Dance Drama Ensemble, Koreas "Country Boy Scat," a concert-type musical using scat, a sort of singing by vocalizing either sounds and other nonsense words and syllables. The festival also invites the original tour team for "Cats," known as one of the four major musicals in the world. All of the licensed musicals to be staged during the festival, except for "Cats" will have a ticket price of 30,000 won. Call (053) 622-1945 or visit www.dimf.or.kr for more information.
"Youth Performing Arts Festival": The National Theater of Korea presents "Youth Performing Arts Festival" starting this week until July 1. The festival is designed to offer teenagers and their family chances to experience various cultural activities and help them expand their understanding on arts. The state-run theater has arranged to stage a total of 20 performances during its 68 days run. It includes "Unusual Concert" by the State Academic Central Puppet Theater (May 16-20); Broadway musical "King and I" performed by original cast (May 18-29); "Waiting for Godot" by Contemporary Legend Theatre from Taiwan (June 29- July 1); "Handcart, overturned" by Corporal Theatre Momggol (April 25- May 6); and "Hamlet Cantabile" by Performance Group Tuida (May 18-27). Call (02) 2280-4115~6 or visit www.ntok.go.kr for more information.
"Uijeongbu Music Theater Festival": Uijeongbu, north of Seoul, is holding an international arts festival with artists from across the globe May 11-27. Based at the Uijeongbu Arts Center, the festival will stage 10 foreign and domestic productions across the city. Foreign performances to be presented at the festival are Swiss producer Heiner Gobbels "Hashirigaki" (May 11-12); El Choque Urbanos "Fabricando Sonidos (Making Sounds)" (May 22-23); Joel Zwicks "Monsieur Chopin" (May 16-17) and "George Gershwin Alone" (May 19-20) and Compania Teatro Cinemas "Gemelos" (May 12-13). Local shows include The National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts play for children "Grandma Mago" (May 24-25); Uijeongbu Opera Company Prime Philharmonic Orchestras "Opera Carmen" (May 18-19) and the homegrown musical "Maria Maria" (May 26-27). English subtitles are provided. For details and ticket reservation, visit www.umtf.or.kr or call (031) 828-5847. Tickets are 10,000 won to 40,000 won.
"Springwave Festival": Offering the opportunity to appreciate arts in various forms -- through painting, installations and performing arts -- "the Springwave Festival" kicks off in Seoul on May 4- 30 at several different venues around the capital city including the Seoul Arts Center, Arko Art Center and Rodin Gallery. For the opening of the festival, William Forsythe, one of the worlds foremost choreographers, presents his installation titled "Scattered Crowd" at the Rodin Gallery (May 4-5). According to the organizing committee, 4,000 white balloons, floating like clouds over a sea of sounds, will be installed, letting visitors create something new, something that moves inside a living piece of art. For more information, visit www.springwave.org or call (02) 725-1164~5.
Concert
"The Specialists": Pluck, a comedy string trio based in London, will present a new classical music experience for children and their parents at the Lotte World Art Theater from May 23 to 27. Formed by violinist Adrian Garratt in 2002 when he got together with violist Jon Regan and cellist Sian Kadifachi, the trio has devised two comedy shows since their inauguration at the end of 2002, which have played before sold out crowds in three continents. Tickets are 33,000 won. Jamsil Station on Subway Line No. 2 and 8. For more information, call (02) 6005-2152.
"Solist Concert": The first Korean all-male a cappella group will hold a concert titled "Harmony" at 7 p.m. today at the Grand Theater of the Chungmu Art Hall in Seoul. The six-member group will sing traditional Korean folk songs such as "A Sailors Song," the prelude from opera "The Barber of Seville" and other songs. The group has held over 1,700 concerts, including 30 overseas. Tickets range from 30,000 won to 60,000 won. Exit No. 9, Sindang Station on Subway Line No. 6. For more information, call 1588-7890.
"Alban Berg Quartets Farewell Concert": The renowned Quartet bid farewell to its Korean fans with the last concert before they have disbanded in June, which will be at the Seoul Arts Center Concert Hall on May 31. Since its debut in 1971, the quartet has been a top name among string quartets of the world. The concerts program includes Haydns String Quartet in D Major (Op.20-4) and Beethovens String Quartet in Bb Major (Op. 130, Op. 133). Tickets range from 40,000 won to 70,000 won. Exit No. 5, Nambu Bus Terminal Station on Subway Line No. 3. For more information, call (02) 580-1300.
"Marisa Monte in Seoul": The Brazilian diva will visit Seoul for her first concert in the country, which will be at the LG Art Center on June 1. The 40-year-old multi-winner of three Latin Grammy Awards is a renowned musician who especially shines in live performances. She has sold more than 9 million copies of her recordings worldwide over the last 17 years since her debut in 1990. Tickets are 30,000 won to 70,000 won. Exit No. 7, Yeoksam Station on Subway Line No. 2. For more information, call (02) 2005-0114.
"Dragon Ash in Seoul": Japanese hip-hop rock band Dragon Ash, led by rap mogul Kenji Furuya will play a concert at Melon-Ax in Gwangjang-dong, eastern Seoul, at 7 p.m. on June 9. Debuted in 1996, the group has sold more than 2.3 million copies of its flagship album "Viva La Revolution" which was released in 1999. For the Seoul concert, the group will present about 20 songs from its new album, "INDEPENDIENTE," which was released on Feb. 21. Tickets are 66,000 won. Exit No. 2, Gwangnaru Station on Subway Line No. 5. For more information, call (02) 540-2740.
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