Simon Callow to Narrate Martinů's Epic of Gilgamesh

Renowned British actor Simon Callow will feature as the narrator in Bohuslav Martinů’s oratorio The Epic of Gilgamesh, to be performed on 20 September at our festival. Callow, known for his roles in Miloš Forman’s film Amadeus and the beloved comedy Four Weddings and a Funeral, previously performed this role to great acclaim in Prague in 2017 with the Czech Philharmonic under conductor Manfred Honeck. The live recording from that performance was internationally acclaimed and released by Supraphon.

Alongside Callow, the concert in Rudolfinum will also feature soprano Lucy Crowe, bass Jan Martiník, baritone Derek Welton, and the Prague Philharmonic Choir. The Prague Philharmonia will be conducted by Robert Kružík.

Opening the evening will be Clara Schumann’s Piano Concerto, performed by Lithuanian pianist Onutė Gražinytė, followed by Robert Schumann’s popular Cello Concerto with soloist Steven Isserlis.