Sir Anthony Hopkins, 88, to Release Debut Album 'Life Is a Dream'

Two-time Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins is releasing his debut album, 'Life Is a Dream', at age 88. The collection of orchestral works, composed over six decades, will be released on Decca Classics on August 21. The first single, 'Bracken Road', dropped on July 10.

The Album

'Life Is a Dream' features pieces inspired by Hopkins' childhood in Wales, his family, and his lifelong passion for music. The album is performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra under Grammy-winning conductor Gustavo Dudamel, with soloists cellist Gregorio Nieto and pianist Sergio Tiempo Source: BBC; The Guardian. Highlights include 'Bracken Road', composed in 1963, and 'My Fatherland', a tribute to his Welsh roots Source: The Guardian.

A Lifelong Passion

Hopkins, who began playing piano at age 4, has described music as "my first desire, my first wish" Source: Euronews. He has composed throughout his acting career, previously releasing a 2012 album 'Composer' that earned him a Classic Brit Award Source: Euronews. CNN notes he started improvising at 6 and wrote music for local plays as a teenager Source: CNN.

Collaborators' Praise

Conductor Gustavo Dudamel praised Hopkins' musicality: "The same depth of imagination, humanity, and emotional truth that has defined his extraordinary work on stage and screen is present in his music" Source: CNN. Decca president Laura Monks called it "a joy to celebrate" his talent Source: The Guardian.