Some say the word 'pop' is a derogatory word to say 'not important' - I do not accept that. If the word 'classic' is the word to say 'boring,' I do not accept. There is good and bad music.

People think I'm disciplined. It is not discipline. It is devotion. There is a great difference.

I think a life in music is a life beautifully spent, and this is what I have devoted my life to.

When I'm about to train a new opera, I first listen to how Jussi Björling did it. His voice was unique and it's his path that I want to follow. I would more than anything else wish that people compared me with Jussi Björling. It's like so I'm striving to sing.

I am a very simple person. In spite of all that has happened to me, I have tried to remain the simple person I started out.

I remember quite well that 10,000 audience sang with us three on the spot, and ever since then, I always thought the Chinese audience are the greatest audience.

If children are not introduced to music at an early age, I believe something fundamental is actually being taken from them.