“I've always been inspired by artists who have shown musical and intellectual curiosity and the courage to take risks.”

“I think opera has gained a kind of glamorous appeal. It's a live performance that aligns all of the arts, and when it is represented in the media, in film in particular, it is presented as something that is really a special event, whether it's a great date or something that's just hugely romantic.”

“For years, I had no time for exploratory travel.”

“Having to travel so much plays havoc with your personal life.”

“I've always been inspired by artists who have shown musical and intellectual curiosity and the courage to take risks.”

“Learning operatic roles is ongoing, and I find that I can learn on the train or subway, during a manicure, getting my hair done, and even while driving if I only look at the score at red lights.”

“Everybody's a work in progress. I'm a work in progress. I mean, I've never arrived... I'm still learning all the time.”

“No voice teacher can be all things to all people. You have to gain information from whatever sources you can. You have to listen.”

“Every singer eventually gets around to a Christmas disc.”

“This is often the way we put together our lives, adding the striking qualities of others into our own character.”