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

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

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

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.

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.

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