Soldier, poet, king, bard? Sir Anthony Hopkins has played them all. From Cesar to Shakespeare to Hannibal Lecter, Hopkins is truly one of the greats. He doesn’t just play different roles, though; he lives them. Even with decades of acting behind him, Hopkins still has work he wants to do. His latest project will have him shift lanes from performer to composer.
Hannibal Makes Music
This August, the Hannibal actor is set to release his debut classical album, titled “Life is a Dream.” Hopkins recently signed with Decca Classics, working with Maestro Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra to produce and compose a 12-track set of compositions. This collection of scores, 60 years in the making, paints a unique picture of the life and times of Sir Hopkins. The album’s single, “Bracken Road,” has a sweeping melody indicative of youth in the Welsh countryside. It’s accompanied by more intimate outings dedicated to his wife and niece.
In working with the actor, Dudamel has said: “Anthony approaches music with the heart of a storyteller, and the instinct of a poet”. An approach that’s evident in a storied career embodied by dozens of iconic roles in theater, television, and cinema productions. Hopkins said of his turn to music, “It has been a true privilege to collaborate with the distinguished Philharmonia Orchestra and the virtuoso soloists, cellist Gregorio Nieto and classical pianist Sergio Tiempo.
Another Chapter in a Storied Career
Born on December 31, 1937, in West Glamorgan, Wales, Hopkins’ first foray into music began with piano lessons at four. According to him, music was his “first desire, my first wish.” In his teens, Hopkins gained interest in local theater, often starring in and composing for local productions. 1964 saw his passion for fine arts catapult him onto the London Stage for a leading role in Julius Caesar. However, it wasn’t until 1967, with a role in the short film The White Bus, that Hopkins began his legendary film career. A career spanning decades, two Academy Awards, and a library of legendary films.
At 88, Hopkins’ pursuit of the arts has come full circle. He’s gone from a boy with his piano to a generational actor. Every note, every performance, a scale in a symphony of a life that is truly a dream. “Life is a Dream” releases on August 21st.
