There must be a law against forcing children to perform at an early age. Children should have a wonderful childhood. They should not be given too much responsibility.

I will always be as difficult as necessary to achieve the best.

Don't talk to me about rules, dear. Wherever I stay I make the goddam rules.

I would not kill my enemies, but I will make them get down on their knees. I will, I can, I must.

On stage, I am in the dark.

I would like to be Maria, but there is La Callas who demands that I carry myself with her dignity.

An opera begins long before the curtain goes up and ends long after it has come down. It starts in my imagination, it becomes my life, and it stays part of my life long after I've left the opera house.