Legendary Welsh actor Sir Anthony Hopkins is also known for his musical talents, harbors a passion for piano and composition. This remarkable facet of his creativity came to the forefront in a memorable collaboration with André Rieu, the renowned “King of the Waltz”, and his Johann Strauss Orchestra.
In an event, a composition Hopkins crafted in his youthful days of 1964, titled “And the Waltz Goes On,” was brought to life decades later. While enjoying an André Rieu concert, Hopkins expressed a whimsical desire to his wife to hear his waltz performed in Vienna.
Unbeknownst to him, his wife reached out to Rieu with the sheet music of the long-held composition. To Hopkins’ surprise, Rieu contacted him with news of the orchestra’s readiness to bring his waltz to the stage.
The much-anticipated Vienna debut unfolded months later, turning into an emotional milestone for Hopkins. Following the performance, he approached Rieu, visibly moved, and confessed, “I love it, I love it, and I have tears in my eyes!” Rieu added, “Playing his waltz for the first time in one of the most beautiful halls in Vienna was like a dream for both of us.”
Witnessing the performance firsthand, Hopkins was visibly emotional, a reaction that resonated deeply with the audience. His genuine appreciation for the orchestra’s rendition was evident as he stood to acknowledge and thank them, a gesture warmly received by those in Maastricht.
The video featuring the performance of André Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra in Maastricht” was uploaded for over a decade and garnered nearly 39 millions views. Plenty of viewers left positive comments to praise the stunning performance.
One wrote, “No matter how many times I watch this, it takes my breath away. In my mind, I see it being played in the vampire ball from Van Helsing. It’s just got this timeless, haunting beauty to it, that makes you feel like it’s been playing for eons. Simply stunning.”