I'd like to explode a few myths about what we call classical music. It's not high art for the titillation of a chosen few.

Classical music has become rarefied, like a maiden aunt that nobody wants to talk to.

I abhor the words 'classical music.' Few things satisfy me more than a really good cover version.

I have loads of issues with the way classical music is presented. It has been too reverential, too 'high art' - if you're not in the club, they're not going to let you join. It's like The Turin Shroud: don't touch it because it might fall apart.

A cough is the basic sign of inattention. Musicians never, in my experience, cough when playing in public.

I was fairly poor
but most of my money went
for wine and
classical music.
I loved to mix the two
together.