There is no 'perfect' in music. If I ever came off the stage and felt it could not be better, it would then be time to quit.

How could a New Yorker possibly take something called the Hollywood String Quartet seriously?

The role of an orchestra in the 21st century isn't just playing, it's about developing future audiences and performers.

We need music to restore the human spirit

I use my hands like a sculptor, to mold and shape the sound I want, to clarify.

The convergence of the Rhone and Saone. Paul Bocuse. The birthplace of cinema. Chateauneuf-du-Pape just a few miles down the road. It does not get much better than Lyon.

An orchestra knows during the first two minutes of the first rehearsal whether or not they are going to enjoy the person on the podium.

We are a global society, and one does not have to be from Germany to give a great performance of Beethoven.

I don't really think about retiring. I will retire just before people start saying, 'I knew Leonard Slatkin when he conducted well.

Over the years it has been my privilege to lead performances with Saint Louis, the National Symphony, Cleveland Orchestra and so many other wonderful organizations.

I'm beginning to see that just knowing the piece is not enough. Having a clear technique is not enough. Having a broad repertory is not enough. I want desperately to get past all those things.

Whoever believe in Jesus Christ, shall receive remission of sins.

A lantern can give you light only when you light it

Even a small star shines in the darkness.

Boy, you know, it's amazing how your brain can turn into a sieve, and you can literally forget episodes that you have shot.

If I had one dollar left, I'd spend it on PR

I have always been interested in art but had no formal training or experience. It's always been just what I liked, my eye for art.

Some people call themselves fiscal conservatives; my wife says I'm just cheap.

I am somebody who - my path to my faith is very kind of individual, and I don't want to be lumped into the category of those Westboro Baptists.

All knowledge has an ultimate goal. Knowledge for the sake of knowledge is, say what you will, nothing but a dismal begging of the question.

I think the most important thing really was that you could take very personal ideas and present them to an audience in entertaining ways.