Some years ago I gave a concert in the mountains with snow all around, and that was much colder.

To sing opera, one needs two things: the voice and the passion - and above all, the passion.

I never think about gifts. It's enough to have my family present.

I prefer to work for my country in a free and independent way. I was born free, and I want to die free. I am always suspicious of ideology. Instead, I respect men with ideas.

Even in the most beautiful music, there are some silences, which are there so we can witness the importance of silence. Silence is more important than ever, as life today is full of noise. We speak a lot about environmental pollution but not enough about noise pollution.

I have trouble with modern art. But in general, all art forms fascinate me - art is the way human beings express what we can't say in words.

You can be great only if it is your destiny.