The message of music was also the first thing what I learned from my first teacher. She was an organist too and she was very devoted to what she played, so she had a respect for every piece and she felt that she is not allowed to add something of her own.

I wouldn't say I've changed my mind. I changed some of my natural habits, some of my natural character.

An orchestra full of stars can be a disaster.

Young conductors who are confident enough, they very often have success.

What I never overcame is a kind of shyness.

I can go in front of an orchestra. I can go in front of an audience. But if you see me walking through an audience in the reception or through a lot of people, I'm still shy.

You know as I started as a shy young conductor, I always wanted to cooperate. To build up the musicians. To help them to be better than without a conductor. And sometimes young talented musicians have to be encouraged.