A music director cannot and should not be chosen on the basis of a first date. It is not so difficult to make a good impression with a single appearance, usually containing some of a conductor's party pieces, works they have performed successfully many times before.

I've come to the conclusion that a long personal relationship is next to impossible for me. Ultimately, music is a possessive mistress.

I have been long associated with British music. I have favoured it as my alternate music next to American.

An orchestra knows during the first two minutes of the first rehearsal whether or not they are going to enjoy the person on the podium.

We need music to restore the human spirit

There's not an orchestra in the world that doesn't have weaknesses. None of us can play everything well. The repertoire is just too big.

I'll know I'm reaching the total American market when I'm asked to do a video for MTV.