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

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.

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.

People know Detroit for the cars, but the suburban areas of the city are really beautiful. It's much more inhabitable than people think. Many believe it's like Berlin at the end of World War II.

I knew I could never match my father as a violinist, and there were already four generations of outstanding cellists in the family.

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.

Randy Newman and I grew up together in Los Angeles. We are both products of the film studio era. Randy is one of the great songwriters of our time and one of the fun people to be with.