Everyone has seen photographs of Mexicans wearing those big sombreros. When you come to Mexico, the astonishing thing is, nobody wears these hats at all.

The music of the most popular operas is so highly esteemed, it can stand endless revivals.

It's not enough to hit the notes. There is no point in the singers just standing there and sounding wonderful if they're not connecting with the characters they are portraying.

The number of opera houses around the world and the high attendance rates show that opera an art form that is more popular than ever.

There were movies that always made me want to be a director. You see brilliant scenes and the way the emotions were handled. I thought, I'd really like to do that.

When the music and the characters are flawlessly synchronized, the opera develops an emotional force that movies and plays cannot match.

In my view, the operas of Carlisle Floyd will find a place in the permanent repertoire.