I'm engaging my diaphragm as I'm speaking to you right now.

I performed in Sydney some years ago for the Sydney Festival and I am just so pleased to be returning to the wonderful Sydney Opera House and also performing in Melbourne for the first time.

I would just like to say that opera is no longer about fat people in breastplates shattering wine glasses.

That was when I realised that music is the most profound, magical form of communication there is.

I do hope that our spring will be starting shortly and we will all be able to enjoy some sunshine again.

Opera is credible drama now, and it costs less than going to a football match. What have you got to lose?

The musical heritage of Yorkshire is deep and wide.

To tell you the truth, I never listen to opera at home.

There are a lot of unseen elements to having a successful singing career.

It worries me that young singers think you can shortcut the training and go straight to fame and fortune, and programmes like Pop Idol have encouraged that.

I do a lot of vocal hygiene.

How can it be, after all this concentrated effort and separation, how can it be that I still resemble, so very closely, my own detestable mother?

When men are ruled by fear, they strive to prevent the very changes that will abate it.

Until you announce me as the #1 contender for the WWE Championship, I suggest you watch me make snow angels.

Winning is the science of being totally prepared

Community begins in mystery and ends in administration. Leaders move away from people and into paper.

Live for the moments you can't put into words

I don't look like no kiwi bird

Custom makes monsters of us all.

Chopsticks are one of the reasons the Chinese never invented custard.

I'm pleased the administration is endorsing the need for legislation dealing with the chemical sector. In the past, the administration's position has been ambiguous.