It is hard to think of another composer who so perfectly marries form and passion.

When the study of the arts leads to the adoration of the formula (heaven forbid), we shall be lost.

It is the artists of the world, the feelers and the thinkers who will ultimately save us; who can articulate, educate, defy, insist, sing and shout the big dreams.

I believe that man's noblest endowment is his capacity to change.

When I am with composers, I say I am a conductor. When I am with conductors, I say I am a composer.

Life without music is unthinkable.

Conducting is like making love to a hundred people at the same time.