"My whole life has been a flight from the past."

"Harpists spend 90 percent of their lives tuning their harps and 10 percent playing out of tune."

"I never look back. I am always looking forward."

"I am like a sponge. I absorb everything, and then I squeeze it out in my own way."

"Conductors' careers are made for the most part with 'Romantic' music. 'Classic' music eliminates the conductor; we do not remember him in it."