There is no 'perfect' in music. If I ever came off the stage and felt it could not be better, it would then be time to quit.

I'm beginning to see that just knowing the piece is not enough. Having a clear technique is not enough. Having a broad repertory is not enough. I want desperately to get past all those things.

The conductor is the artistic leader and sometimes cultural arbiter of his or her community. It is their leadership that is looked to and should anything go wrong, they are the persons taking most of the heat.

I'm not particularly lucid after a concert. I'm not very lucid before, either.

Growing up in Hollywood, like I did, I have a passion and a love for the movies, so I go to the cinema all the time.

Over the years it has been my privilege to lead performances with Saint Louis, the National Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra and so many other wonderful organizations.

How could a New Yorker possibly take something called the Hollywood String Quartet seriously?