The rivalry is with ourself. I try to be better than is possible. I fight against myself, not against the other.

As an art form, opera is a rare and remarkable creation. For me, it expresses aspects of the human drama that cannot be expressed in any other way, or certainly not as beautifully.

It is not always a matter of wild ovations and legendary performances. Sometimes you are just happy to get through an opera without trouble.

I think Beijing deserves the Olympics in order to be with all the rest of the world recognized.

I received a beautiful welcome to the world of music. I want to give something back to the younger generation.

Above all, I am an opera singer. This is how people will remember me.

People have a right to criticize.