I found a certain kind of music congenial to me; it never occurred to me to write music that was academically acceptable.

People in very high places suddenly fall, and we are always surprised because we don't factor in the basic element that they're humans and, therefore, they are flawed and have weaknesses.

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

The artist is something of an outsider in America. I have always felt that America does not value its artists, certainly not in the sense that the Europeans do.

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

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.

It seems to me opera is just as relevant as an expressive art as anything else.