Legendary actor Sir Anthony Hopkins expanded his talents beyond the big screen by signing a deal to release a collection of deeply personal music recordings.
Hopkins signed a record deal with classical music label Decca Classics and is poised to release a collection of recordings in August for a project titled “Life Is A Dream.” Hopkins composed and wrote the songs performed by Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra, according to Deadline.
A statement issued by Decca revealed that the album features works from different periods of Hopkins’ life, “revealing a composer whose music shares the same emotional depth and storytelling that define his screen career.”
The legendary actor is widely recognized for his role as Hannibal Lecter in “The Silence of the Lambs,” butler Stevens in “The Remains of the Day,” and his performances in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but his first passion was music. The Academy Award-winning star began playing the piano at the tender age of 4 and was performing works by Beethoven and Chopin within just a few years.
“Music was my first desire, my first wish,” Hopkins said in a statement, according to Deadline.
ESHER, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 13: Actor, Sir Anthony Hopkins seen filming at Sandown Park Racecourse on February 13, 2025 in Esher, England. (Photo by Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
“I’ve been composing music all my life. Some of these pieces have lived with me for decades, and I still find myself returning to them.”
Fans will be introduced to his music with the first release titled “Bracken Road” from Hopkins’ 1947: Suite for Solo Piano and Orchestra. Decca revealed the song was inspired by Hopkins’ childhood memories of Margam, South Wales.
Pianist Sergio Tiempo, cellist Gregorio Nieto, The Bach Choir and the Boy Choristers of Winchester Cathedral collaborated with Hopkins by lending their talents to the project. (RELATED: Randy Travis Announces Release Of First Album In Over 18 Years)
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – DECEMBER 11: Anthony Hopkins attends the Closing Night red carpet at the Red Sea International Film Festival 2025 on December 11, 2025 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images for The Red Sea International Film Festival)
“My whole life is a dream,” Hopkins said in a statement issued to Deadline.
“Signing with Decca is the honour of a lifetime. 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.”
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – JANUARY 17: Sir Anthony Hopkins attends the “Life Is A Dream” concert – Composer Sir Anthony Hopkins performs with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for Riyadh Season 2025 live broadcast on MBC on January 17, 2025 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. (Photo by Darren Arthur/Getty Images for GEA)
The star continued, “My deepest gratitude and respect go to Maestro Gustavo Dudamel, whose artistry is an integral part of this musical journey. With the graceful precision of his baton, he transformed each note with profound and indelible meaning, creating a pictorial landscape that invites the listener to feel and imagine something uniquely personal.