A diaper is as inspiring as a drink.

When it came to using elements of your personal life in your work, my mother was the master, or the mistress. There were three or four songs she wrote about my father - songs about failed love.

I don’t really have a relationship with the guitar; it’s like my slutty lover, whereas I’m married to the piano

My greatest experiences in the theatre and the most religious experiences in my life - of which going to the opera is one for me - have been with the Romantic composers' repertoire: it's Wagner, it's Strauss, Verdi, Puccini. That era gets me every time.

Crazy as it sounds, I'm a believer in destiny and serendipity, and I have had cosmic experiences all my life. Something told me I was meant for greater stuff. And look, I've had a baby! And I've written an opera!

Once you've fallen from classical virtue, won't have a soul for to wake up and hold you.

Somebody curse the light And take me far away from myself