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.

We need music to restore the human spirit

The role of an orchestra in the 21st century isn't just playing, it's about developing future audiences and performers.

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

We are a global society, and one does not have to be from Germany to give a great performance of Beethoven.

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

I don't really think about retiring. I will retire just before people start saying, 'I knew Leonard Slatkin when he conducted well.