James Levine
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"James Lawrence Levine" is an American conducting/conductor and piano/pianist. He is primarily known for his tenure as Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera. Levine has also held leadership positions with the Ravinia Festival, the Munich Philharmonic and the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

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Art has never been a popularity contest.

Birgit was unique! Her voice, her artistry, her sense of humor and her friendship were in a class of their own. I was so fortunate to hear her sing many times over the years, and eventually to work with her on several memorable occasions with Wagner and Strauss.

I find it always sad when there's something that means a lot to me in music and there are people who can't get the exposure to it ever to understand it, let alone love it.

I'd rather they come an hour before and read the program notes, so that they have some slight introduction to what they're going to hear. Then I recommend the most important thing of all. Listen, don't fight.

All you have to do is ask any child, frankly. You don't have to ask a child development researcher if fathers make a difference. All kids will tell you that the presence of a father makes a big difference.

People are turning away from the more formal, traditionally posed wedding photos to a more intimate and natural approach.

I very rarely have clients who want posed group shots before the wedding. They'd rather I capture the quiet moments -- a stolen kiss between the bride and groom before they enter their reception as a married couple.

My 40th year will be '10-11 and we will have another two years to go to complete the new Ring, and I committed to Peter that I would stay that long in any case.