Nobody inspired me more than Julie Andrews, who is a classically trained soprano herself.

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.

Today I wonder why it is God refers to Himself as 'Father' at all. This, to me, in light of the earthly representation of the role, seems a marketing mistake.

It has been raining here for ten years.I keep an accurate record of time and can state this with no fear of contradiction.

Despair is vinegar from the wine of hope.

Purpose, pattern, and people, the three P's at the heart of life.

I'll wait for you under the bluebells. I'll be there always.

It's better to burn out, than to fade away.

Perhaps love is only the highest symbol of friendship, as all other things seem symbols of love.

There are always ups and downs when you lose a player the caliber of Matt Ryan.

For dhrames always go by conthraries, my dear.

He that is impatient, and cannot wait on God for a mercy, will not easily submit to Him in a denial.