Opera is something you have to educate yourself about. You have to make sure you understand the stories, what was happening politically, socially during the time these things were made and how they've changed through history.

The biggest problem that I see that young artists have is they aren't willing to fail. And unless you fail a lot, I think it's difficult to find a voice that shouts above the crowds.

I have very simple tastes really. I like to ride my bicycle and I like to spend time upstate where it's quiet and I can take time to think and dream about new projects and possibilities.

You can tell when women have a sensibility about, or a sense of bravery or a sense of understanding about their personal style that's outside of what you see from a magazine.

For me probably the best moment is before I get started in the morning. I get up and I ride my bike before I come into the studio, so there's a lot of peace and quiet right before the day starts and my assistants get here.

I think that I the biggest thing that I need is more creative time. More time to make mistakes.

As americans I think it's harder for us to have a relationship with opera because the access to it is so limited.