When I've seen my operas in Europe, they have always struck me as more American than when I hear them here. I can't tell you what that phenomenon is.

Anyone who creates something new or does something different artistically is going to be singled out.

If an American audience is given a serious musical theater piece that is well produced, dramatically gripping and wonderfully acted, they'll respond to it.

Socially I never was an outsider. I have never thought of the conflict element before frankly, but perhaps it was wanting to belong, and at the same time wanting to retain one's own personality.

The story of Willie Stark fascinated me because it was tackling the story of a man who outwardly has all the success one could possibly want and who is destroyed by his personal demons.

I've never set out consciously to write American music. I don't know what that would be unless the obvious Appalachian folk references.

America tends to worship the modest talent because it doesn't put us in an uncomfortable position vis-a-vis the artist.