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

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

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.

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

I had all the normal interests - I played basketball and I headed the school paper. But I also developed very early a great love for music and literature and the theater.

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

If I felt that one of my operas did not come off I would certainly say so.