I am usually cooking at least four times a week if I am home. The easiest thing that I do a lot is gazpacho. It's simple and it tastes best if you let it sit over night in the refrigerator... I don't want anybody near me when I am cooking. If I am going to make a mistake, it has to be my fault.

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

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

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

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.

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.