As soon as I arrive at the house, Laurie starts running, hits my chest, knocks me down, and licks my face. It's become a family ritual.

Why let one high C ruin your whole evening?

Opera is music AND drama. I'm prepared to sacrifice the beautiful note for the meaningful sound any time... I can make a pretty tone as well as anyone, but there are times when the drama of a scene demands the opposite of a pretty sound.

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.

Opera is an extremely disciplined art form, and every excess a singer indulges in has a direct effect on the voice.

In youth we run into difficulties. In old age difficulties run into us.

Art is the signature of civilizations.