But I want to deepen as an artist, and working with Shakespeare definitely points in that direction.

I very much faced my mother's death with hard, arduous and time-consuming labor. The more I would do, the less I would feel.

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!

Opera needs to be a total escape from real life. To relate to what we're going through today is fine and dandy, but it's really about being transported and completely swept away by a romantic notion.

Musically I'm able to keep going, because it's not about money and it's not about success. It's a challenge.

I may not lead the most dramatic life, but in my brain it's 'War and Peace' everyday.

I've paid the price; I definitely have a reputation that precedes me, and there is a camp that plots my demise. But then again... it's funner that way.