I want to do more commissions and the very important second and third productions of new works - giving them the life that will bring them into the standard repertoire.

The high note is not the only thing.

Francesca's productions are always beautifully balanced between the intimacy of the characters and the sweep of the epic, and I think that she will use the symbols of America brilliantly.

Maestro Behr was a dynamic conductor who worked so well with soloists, the chorus and the musicians of the orchestra, all of whom respected him greatly. He will be deeply missed.

I loved working with Spiro because he has the totality of colors in his performing palette. He is a singer of wonderful imagination and a real professional.

The day is close that I quit singing.

I really don't know how to do it -- a tour or a concert or if I just say, that's it, that's the last night.

Becoming artistic director at L.A. Opera feels less like a major change in my life there than a kind of upgrading.