Sir Anthony Hopkins will release his debut classical music album next month, featuring a collection of compositions he has developed over the last 60 years, per bbc.com.
The 88-year-old actor’s first single from the album, titled Life Is A Dream, was released on Friday, ahead of the full album launch by Decca Classics on August 21.
The lead single, “Bracken Road” from 1947: Suite For Solo Piano And Orchestra, was inspired by Hopkins’ childhood memories of growing up in Margam, near Port Talbot in south Wales. Though globally renowned for his acting career, Hopkins began playing the piano at age four and has composed music since his youth. He originally penned the foundation of these pieces in 1963 while working as a young actor at the Liverpool Playhouse.
The album features the Philharmonia Orchestra performing under the baton of Grammy Award-winning conductor Gustavo Dudamel. Hopkins expressed deep gratitude to Dudamel, stating that the conductor transformed each note with profound meaning. Other tracks on the album, such as “My Fatherland,” directly honor the actor’s Welsh heritage, his family, and his father, who worked as a baker.
Decca Classics president Laura Monks stated that the recording team was thrilled to help the actor realize a lifelong dream. She noted that Hopkins remained highly involved in the recording sessions, listening intently and providing specific musical notes to the orchestra.
Hopkins, who won his first Oscar in 1992 for his iconic portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs, secured a second Academy Award in 2020 for his role in The Father. This musical release marks the first time his lifelong private passion for classical composition will be compiled into a commercial studio album.
•Featured image: Sir Anthony Hopkins/PA MEDIA