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

The performances of my works in the last 10 years are probably equal to all the previous years put together. There are so many venues now and there is a completely new public for opera that's grown up outside of the traditional core opera public.

I think anything that is expressed directly and as honestly as possible will last.

I was trying to do something that seemed very natural and easy but which bridged that gulf between the singing voice and the speaking voice.

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.

There is something inherent in our democracy that tends to want to level. America is a little uncomfortable in the presence of someone who is distinctly superior in whatever way.

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