My mum used to say to me, 'Spit on yer 'ands and take a fresh 'old.' Keep going even if you have setbacks.

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.

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

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 really love advertising art of the '50s and the way mid-century design was often represented in jazzy, fast art.

I've never seen anyone handling pans in the streets of New York, and if I did I doubt I'd give them money, unless I needed a pan. I do give money to homeless people, whether they ask or no.

Quick music sounds dull unless every note is articulated.

Find earth where grows no weed, and you may find a heart wherein no error grows.

It is obvious that the bumper sticker question "What would Jesus do?" will not always bring a popular response.

You can say things in a comedy that you never can say in a drama.

Once I was a prisoner lost inside myself with the world surrounding me, wandering through the misery, but now I am free. Free to love, free to laugh, free to soar, free to shine, free to give.

Not only will I beat you tonight...I'll beat you this Sunday and become World Heavyweight Champion!

When discouragement comes, don't stop. Dig deep and fight it through!

We will send ships and Marines as soon as possible for the protection of American life and property.