Sometimes it is the artist's task to find out how much music you can still make with what you have left.

Any gifted child can potentially get in real trouble because of the way they are handled.

Believe me, I've had interviews where the person says, "So when did you start and why? What about your parents?" I say to them, "Please, have you heard of the word Google?"

I don't feel that the conductor has real power. The orchestra has the power, and every member of it knows instantaneously if you're just beating time.

A sponge has that much absorbent capability and after a while you can pour water over it and nothing stays.

I look at raising funds for The Perlman Music Program as a challenge and as a way to provide opportunities for people who care about the future of classical music.

I couldn't only do one thing--I don't want the personal hell of oneness.