When you're younger you have so many ideas about yourself; everything is important. It's not when you look back, nothing is that important. It's only life.

I think doubt is a very healthy way to live.

A conductor can't be too arrogant with an orchestra and try to impose himself too much.

I play music - I write my own music, but I play music, just background music really, and just let it happen.

I do my job, and I do what I’m paid to do and I’m always prepared. I prepare by learning the text so well that when I show up, I’m relaxed and the performance sort of happens. Now whether that’s good or bad, I don’t know... Whatever I say is going to sound very egocentric and self centered anyway so I’d better shut up.

People ask, 'Should I call you Sir Hopkins?' But I say, 'No. Call me Tony,' because it's too much of a lift-up.

When people call me Sir Anthony I just think oh, that's a bit odd. But I'm not cynical about it. Um, I just feel more comfortable being called Tony or Mr. Hopkins, whatever name I'm called.