Anthony Hopkins to release his first album: “Music was my first desire”
Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins has detailed plans to release his first album.
The Welsh icon, who is 88, has teamed up with Decca Classics, who will share Hopkins’ first record, titled Life Is a Dream, on August 21st, 2026.
Life Is a Dream is a life’s work for Hopkins, with the album consisting of material that he has accumulated over the last six decades.
To tease the upcoming release, Hopkins has reflected on his childhood in South Wales on his debut single, ‘Bracken Road’. The track dates back to 1963, which Hopkins wrote while he was an aspiring actor in Liverpool.
In a statement, Hopkins revealed, “Music was my first desire, my first wish, I’ve been composing music all my life.”
He added of the album, “Some of these pieces have lived with me for decades and I still find myself returning to them. My whole life is a dream.”
Hopkins also described signing with Decca Classics as “the honour of a lifetime”, which has been a lifetime ambition for the Hollywood star.
For the album, Hopkins teamed up with Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra, who dealt with the music.
Hopkins added of the collaborative project, “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. My deepest gratitude and respect go to maestro Gustavo Dudamel, whose artistry is an integral part of this musical journey.”
He emotively continued, “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.”
Meanwhile, Laura Monks, the president of Decca, shared her glee at It is such a privilege to have the great Sir Anthony Hopkins join Decca Classics. His depth of talent and classical music knowledge, honed over a lifetime, is a joy to celebrate with this new album.”
Listen to ‘Bracken Road’ below.
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