Anthony Hopkins is opening up about the passion for music that has accompanied him throughout his life as the Oscar-winning actor releases his debut classical album, Life Is a Dream.

Hopkins, 88, has been composing music for decades, but Life Is a Dream marks his first album released through Decca Records. The 12-track collection features compositions he has written over the course of six decades, drawing on memories of his childhood, family and life growing up in Wales. 

Although Hopkins is best known for his acting career, music was his first creative love. He began playing the piano at the age of four and started composing years later, writing his first piece, a waltz, in 1960 when he was 22. He has continued writing music alongside his acting career, including composing for several films.

For Life Is a Dream, Hopkins' compositions were recorded by the Philharmonia Orchestra and conducted by Gustavo Dudamel.

Bradley Cooper also played an unexpected role in bringing the project together. Hopkins had previously shared his compositions with Cooper, who became impressed by his work and helped connect him with Dudamel. "Bradley passed me on to Dudamel," Hopkins said, crediting the actor with helping make the album possible.