An acclaimed new biopic of the Prague-born 18th-century composer Josef Mysliveček is to be screened in London as part of this year’s ‘Made in Prague’ festival.
Known to many simply as 'Il Boemo' or 'Il Divino Boemo' ('The Bohemian' / 'The Divine Bohemian'), Mysliveček was one of the most sought-after opera composers in Italy in the 1770s, and a significant influence on Mozart, who was a close friend of his. Today, however, his music is rarely played.
Il Boemo, which will be screened at 5.15pm on 18 November at the Prince Charles Cinema, near Leicester Square in London, tells the story of the composer, from his early childhood in Prague to his stellar career in Italy and the sad end of his life riddled with suffering and financial burdens. With Mysliveček’s music at its centre, it features performances from the Prague-based period instrument ensemble Collegium 1704 as well as opera stars including Philippe Jaroussky, Emőke Baráth, Simona Šaturová, Raffaella Milanesi, and Krystian Adam.
Written and directed by Petr Václav, the film was originally released in 2022 and was selected as the Czech entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. Earlier this year Warner Classics released a CD Soundtrack to the film, featuring Mysliveček’s music.
This screening will be followed by a Q&A with the film's director Petr Václav and actor Vojtěch Dyk, who plays the composer.
For tickets to the screening, click here.
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