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.

Music making is the most joyful activity possible, the most perfect expression of any emotion.

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

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.

On the day I'm performing, I don't hear anything anyone says to me.

I'm a perfectionist, and I always think that I can do better what I have done, even if it's good.

I was an elementary school teacher.