Opera is credible drama now, and it costs less than going to a football match. What have you got to lose?

The musical heritage of Yorkshire is deep and wide.

It worries me that young singers think you can shortcut the training and go straight to fame and fortune, and programmes like Pop Idol have encouraged that.

My mum used to say to me, 'Spit on yer 'ands and take a fresh 'old.' Keep going even if you have setbacks.

I do hope that our spring will be starting shortly and we will all be able to enjoy some sunshine again.

Nobody inspired me more than Julie Andrews, who is a classically trained soprano herself.

I'm very pro presenting the best music I can to the widest audience possible.