My teacher, my great cello teacher Leonard Rose, was such a great cellist, and nurturing man, very patient. But I grew up not only admiring him, but obviously Casals, Rostrotovich, Jacqueline du Pre, and many others, including many of my peers and contemporaries.

The tradition of classical music and the opera is such that it used to be the place where social intercourse could take place between all parts of society: politicians, industrialists, artists, citizens, etc. That tradition, I think, still exists, but it's much, much more diluted.

I think there are so many ways to become interested in music. I believe signs of sustained interest gives a sense of the right time. Music, if thought of as a language, would perhaps indicate that as early as possible is not so bad. I do believe that a really nurturing first teacher that makes the child love something is crucial.

When people ask me how they should approach performance, I always tell them the professional musician should aspire to the state of the beginner.

After reaching 50, I began to wonder what the root of life is.

Culture opens our hearts to one another. And the currency in culture is not money, but trust.

When we have a good balance between thinking and feeling... our actions and lives are always the richer for it.