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.

At HBO, they seem to be well-informed. They make what I think are really quite mature films.

When I was 24 I went to Nigeria and it was such a culture shock, growing up in Australia and suddenly being the only white man in this unit full of black men.

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.

With Cold Sassy Tree having its first production, I saw no necessity to do anything other than produce it with the correct setting.

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

Directing an opera is similar to directing a play. The singing must not get in the way of the drama.