I was lucky enough to have parents who started me on music very early, but most kids don't get that kind of exposure.

I like working with kids because I enjoy seeing the looks on their faces and, it's kind of selfish, I want a future audience.

I don't sleep with a violin in my bed, but there is something very magical about the instrument. You open up the case; it's a masterpiece, it's gorgeous, the varnish is still there from 300 years ago. People who know violins, they look at it and it's almost like a face.

I like trying things, I am kind of adventurous and I like thrill seeking.

Every orchestra is different. Sometimes, you're blown away by a particular musician. If I'm playing the Brahms concerto, it's crucial to have a great oboe player, because we work in tandem.

At a music hall, I'll get upset if someone coughs or if someone's cellphone goes off.

I always find it funny when people say, "I don't really like classical music" or "it doesn't do anything for me." I tell them, "Well, you know, it does. You go to films and you're responding to it, and you've heard it..." It's controlling you! So don't think you're not being affected. It's a great medium for music.