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

There were times in my career ... when I felt like a trapeze artist doing dangerous somersaults without a net underneath. When you execute those somersaults flawlessly, the audience feels the same sense of triumph the performer does.

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don't try.

I've always tried to be cheerful, because I think people who whine are boring, and I never could tolerate bores.

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

I really do believe I can accomplish a great deal with a big grin, I know some people find that disconcerting, but that doesn't matter.

I never share credit or desserts.