If an American audience is given a serious musical theater piece that is well produced, dramatically gripping and wonderfully acted, they'll respond to it.

It seems to me opera is just as relevant as an expressive art as anything else.

We think the Puritans always dressed in black and white, which they didn't. They loved very bright colors. And there were other differences in perceptions that gave one a very different view of them.

Our most intimate contact with civilizations long since dust has been through the art which has survived them.

I found a certain kind of music congenial to me; it never occurred to me to write music that was academically acceptable.

The story of Willie Stark fascinated me because it was tackling the story of a man who outwardly has all the success one could possibly want and who is destroyed by his personal demons.

Most of the important composers in our country are clustered in the Northeast.

If something is successful with the audience, it's automatically suspect; the reverse is to say that not to reach audiences is the greatest compliment an artist can receive!

There is something inherent in our democracy that tends to want to level. America is a little uncomfortable in the presence of someone who is distinctly superior in whatever way.

What is American music? The most satisfying answer I've come across is that it was a kind of natural comfort with the vernacular which is diverse and regional; it's not one particular set of sounds.

I find it enormously valuable to be sure that that the pacing is what I think it is and that the scenes have the shape I think they have musically and dramatically.

Some of us enjoy with today, some with future and some other with past.

I have lost tolerance for things without meaning. There is no time for them. Does that make sense? - Sara Seager

My prayer to God is a very short one "Oh Lord make my enemies ridiculous!" God has granted it.

I have no regrets about launching Salon. For the life of me, I can't imagine doing anything else.

The worst lies of all are the ones we tell ourselves. They are the most damaging.

My first cut that I showed the studio was probably 2hrs 20min.

Local self-government…is the life-blood of liberty.

The simple solution for disappointment depression Get up and get moving. Physically move. Do. Act. Get going.

Go to the moon, that's my dream.

There is no man in this world without some manner of tribulation or anguish, though he be king or pope.