This guy didn’t produce this waltz earlier in his life because he was afraid that nobody would like it and you hear how beautiful this waltz is.
This guy didn’t produce this waltz earlier in his life because he was afraid that nobody would like it and you hear how beautiful this waltz is. Imagine how many artists have been too afraid to share their work. Imagine the wonderful pieces of music we could have if we would just lighten up a bit. When two masters of their crafts come together, the result is bound to be magical. Such was the case when world-renowned violinist and conductor André Rieu performed “And The Waltz Goes On,” a stunning orchestral piece composed by none other than Sir Anthony Hopkins. While Hopkins is best known as an Oscar-winning actor celebrated for his iconic performances in films like The Silence of the Lambs, this piece revealed a lesser-known but equally profound side of his artistic genius — his love for composing music.
The origins of “And The Waltz Goes On” go back decades. Sir Anthony Hopkins composed the waltz in the 1960s, but he kept the piece private for years, uncertain of how it would be received or if it would ever be performed. However, Hopkins always dreamed of having the piece brought to life by a great orchestra. In 2011, his dream became a reality when André Rieu, the celebrated Dutch violinist and conductor, took an interest in the composition.
Hopkins approached Rieu, sending him the music sheet and humbly asking him to review the waltz. Rieu, impressed by the beauty and sophistication of the piece, agreed to perform it with his Johann Strauss Orchestra. The collaboration marked a unique moment in music history — an internationally acclaimed actor stepping into the realm of classical music, with one of the world’s most beloved musicians bringing his work to life.
Rieu and his orchestra debuted “And The Waltz Goes On” in 2011 during a live performance in Maastricht, the Netherlands. As the piece began, the audience was immediately transported by its sweeping, cinematic melodies and poignant rhythm. The waltz balances classic Viennese influences with a modern sensibility, making it both nostalgic and refreshing.
The performance was made even more emotional when Sir Anthony Hopkins himself attended, sitting in the audience alongside his wife, Stella Arroyave. As the music unfolded, the camera frequently cut to Hopkins, who was visibly moved, his eyes filled with tears of joy and pride. The applause at the end was thunderous, with the audience giving a standing ovation to both the performers and the composer.
