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.
