Mazur was a remarkable artist. During our time in Rome we became friends. I would often perform my works for him at the piano.

Of course, all people have their own reasons for believing what they do about gender. In my case, in over two decades of collaborating with men and women in music - conductors or otherwise - I have seen no distinction.

A healthy dialogue is always good.

My own goals center around writing the best music that I can, and only I can determine whether or not I've succeeded in accomplishing that.

I enjoy the challenge of taking something which was not meant for the piano, distilling its essence and writing or improvising it for/at the piano, but having the listener forget that he or she is listening to a piano.

I wrote much more quickly when I was younger. Over the years I've required more time in order for the pieces to arrive in a place I am happy with. The process cannot be rushed. I have to live with a piece for quite a while to feel it ultimately is where it needs to be - though anything resembling complete satisfaction remains elusive.

The American new music scene is remarkably vibrant.