HOLLYWOOD legend Sir Anthony Hopkins stunned the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra by learning every one of their 80 names by heart before their first rehearsal together.

The Mask of Zorro actor worked with the world famous musicians when they performed his original compositions and scores from some of his best-known films.

Now that Symphony Hall performance, called Anthony Hopkins – Composer, is to be released next week.

Associate conductor Michael Seal said he was amazed Sir Anthony had managed to memorise the names of every member of the orchestra when he arrived for rehearsals prior to the July performance. Mr Seal said: “It was staggeringly good. Learning lines is his job but to learn a whole list of 70 to 80 names is amazing.”

Sir Anthony was with the orchestra for the rehearsals and then the performances in Birmingham and Cardiff.

“He seemed genuinely happy to hear the orchestra playing his music,” said Mr Seal. “He was smiling all day.”

Original compositions by Sir Anthony included an aria dedicated to his wife, Stella, and the 1947 suite, based on childhood memories.