In times of totalitarian or autocratic rule, music (indeed culture in general) is often the only avenue of independent thought. It is the only way people can meet as equals, and exchange ideas. Culture then becomes primarily the voice of the oppressed and it takes over from politics as a driving force for change.

Anti-Semitism has no historical, political and certainly no philosophical origins. Anti-Semitism is a disease.

I have the greatest respect for the survivors of the Holocaust. We can't even imagine what these people went through.

I have heard Ori Kam on several occasions over the last few years and have always been deeply impressed with his playing. He possesses a rare combination of musical talent, technical facility, intelligence, and charisma, and he is undoubtedly one of the most extraordinary young artists I have heard in recent years.

I don't believe that the entire world is constantly anti-Semitic.

Today, conducting is a question of ego: a lot of people believe they are actually playing the music.

Sound is often talked about in a very subjective way, as if it had a colour. This is a bright sound, this is a dark sound. I don't believe in that because I think that is much too subjective.