Of course, if you think of a European or American household in the '50s, so what were the things that when people started climbing up the ladder, what did they buy? A fridge, a TV, I think piano was the number three item in say '53 or '54.

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

Anyone who composes and conducts at the same time is immediately suspect, because he must be faking one or the other.

After 30 years I have realized the greatest pleasure I can get is to have learnt.

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 like this idea of identification with the local team. I think it's great. That's what an orchestra should be. It's an orchestra for its hometown, and it serves the people.

If I were in a position to announce a public competition to coin a new word, I would do so right now.