There must be a law against forcing children to perform at an early age. Children should have a wonderful childhood. They should not be given too much responsibility.

I don't need the money, dear. I work for art.

An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I've left the opera house.

I prepare myself for rehearsals like I would for marriage.

I don't need the money, dear. I work for art.

When music fails to agree to the ear, to soothe the ear and the heart and the senses, then it has missed the point.

That is the difference between good teachers and great teachers: good teachers make the best of a pupil's means great teachers foresee a pupil's ends.

I don't need the money, dear. I work for art.