ANTHONY HOPKINS - HOPKINS SET FOR MUSIC CAREER IN 2005

SIR ANTHONY HOPKINS is to embark on a music career after spending the past eight months composing songs on his piano.

The OSCAR-winning actor doubles as a talented pianist and hopes to have his compositions performed in 2005 - firstly in America, then at London's famous Royal Albert Hall venue, where Hopkins plans to conduct an orchestra and choir.

A source says, "Anthony has played the piano for a long time, and takes music very seriously, but in the past it has been a hobby.

"Now he wants to concentrate on music, and is confident enough to put on a concert of his own work."