Anthony Hopkins signs with Decca Records: 'The honour of a lifetime'
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Two-time Academy Award winner Sir Anthony Hopkins has embarked on a new chapter at 88, signing with the storied classical label Decca Records and describing the move as ‘the honour of a lifetime.’ The veteran actor shared the announcement on social media, expressing deep gratitude to the collaborators who made his musical debut possible.
The Announcement
Hopkins took to Instagram to share an effusive tribute to those who supported the project. “Signing with Decca Records 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,” he wrote.
He added: “My deepest gratitude and respect go to Maestro Gustavo Dudamel, whose artistry is an integral part of this musical journey. #LifeIsADream.” Hopkins also personally thanked actor Bradley Cooper, Dr. Maria Teresa Ochoa, Stephen Barton, Margaret Whitman, Sam Schwartz, Aaron and Natalia Tucker, Tara Arroyave, and his wife Stella Hopkins, signing off with: ‘My whole Life is a Dream.’
A Career Defined by Honours
Hopkins’ transition into classical music comes on the back of one of the most decorated careers in screen history. He holds two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards, two Primetime Emmy Awards, and a Laurence Olivier Award. He received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2005 and the BAFTA Fellowship for lifetime achievement in 2008. Queen Elizabeth II knighted him for his services to drama in 1993.
His filmography spans decades and genres — from The Silence of the Lambs and The Remains of the Day to The Father, Nixon, The Two Popes, and the Thor franchise, among many others.
The Musical Collaborators
The project brings together a formidable artistic team. Maestro Gustavo Dudamel, one of the world’s most celebrated conductors, leads the collaboration alongside the Philharmonia Orchestra. The inclusion of soloists Gregorio Nieto and Sergio Tiempo signals a serious classical ambition rather than a celebrity vanity project. Decca Records, home to some of the most significant classical recordings of the 20th century, lends the venture institutional credibility.
What’s Next for Hopkins
On the acting front, Hopkins was recently seen in Locked, a psychological thriller directed by David Yarovesky and a remake of the Argentine film 4x4. With the Decca signing now confirmed, audiences and music critics alike will be watching closely to see how the Oscar-winning actor translates his creative instincts into a classical recording.