I have had the good fortune of being able to sing with many of the finest voices in the world, and for someone who loves voices as I do, this is an enormous privilege.

A career is like a house: it's made of many bricks, and each brick has the same value, because without any one of them, the house would collapse.

When I was very young, I started trying to sing like the great tenor Mario Lanza; my family used to play his records. We all learn best by imitating others.

The most widely criticised singers in the history of opera, Maria Callas and Franco Corelli, happen also to be the best singers. I am honoured for being part of their group.

In singing, you cannot 'cheat' if you want to give emotions to those who are listening. You must have something to tell.

I have big, big stage fright.

I have to face life with a newly found passion. I must rediscover the irresistible will to learn, to live and to love.