I never studied, but I had the best teachers.

It is my aim, my destination in life to make the cello as beloved an instrument as the violin and piano.

I came to Moscow when I was 5 years old from Baku. To walk all night in Moscow will bring back my youth to me.

When I started learning the cello, I fell in love with the instrument because it seemed like a voice - my voice.

Baalbek is so beautiful. It is the heart of beauty in the Middle East - I want to embrace these people with my music. I will try so hard for them. Their president is a Christian, their prime minister is a Muslim. Music is for everyone.

You know creators, composers, need a palette for life, a color for life.

I never studied, but I had the best teachers.