There will have to be times when I'm not conducting because I'm composing. I haven't solved that problem, and perhaps I never will.

I realized that the European dogma is not necessarily the only way to look at things.

There was this kind of mildly annoying mythology about conductor Like biker should riding a Harley-Davidson on an LP cover, and wearing a sort of a leather suit.

Conducting was just something that happened by fluke.

There is such a suspicion in today's world of people who do more than one thing, who aren't specialized.

The act of conducting in itself, of waving my arms in the air and being in charge, I didn't miss. I missed the sensual pleasure of being in contact with music.

I feel very free and very happy to be a composer.