Biopic of Composer Jozef Mysliveček Screens in London

Mysliveček’s music has largely been unknown, but was a significant influence on Mozart 

To be screened on November 18, 2023, as part of London’s 27th Made in Prague Festival, the film Il Boemo chronicles the life of the 18th-century composer Josef Mysliveček.

One of the oldest national festivals in Britain, Made in Prague shares a variety of Czech arts, cinema, music, and culture. It also celebrates 30 years of its Czech Center and its contribution to the British cultural scene.

Known to many as “Il Boemo” (The Bohemian) or “Il Divino Boemo” (The Divine Bohemian), Mysliveček was a highly sought-after opera composer in Italy during the 1770s. Among his close friends was W.A. Mozart, who was greatly taken by his music. 

Mysliveček (played by actor Vojtěch Dyk) was born in 1737 and died in 1781. The film depicts his early childhood in Prague before his career flourished in Italy, and the end of his life, which was affected by personal and financial hardships.

Featuring Mysliveček’s music, Il Boemo involves performances from the Prague-based period instrument ensemble Collegium 1704, plus 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 selected as the Czech entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 95th Academy Awards. Earlier this year, Warner Classics released the CD soundtrack to the film.

Il Boemo will show at 5.15 PM on November 18 at London’s Prince Charles Cinema, near Leicester Square. The screening will also be followed by a Q&A with Václav and Dyk.

To attend, click here. The movie trailer can be viewed below.