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

Working with Julie Andrews is like getting hit over the head with a valentine.

They really kicked me out?"
"Refunded the tuition and everything."
Julie blinked a couple of times coming to grips with this tidbit. "So what happens now?"
"I expect you'll be a bum. Homeless and jobless begging on the street for a crust of bread..."
"Kate."
"Oh, alright, I suppose if you come by the office once in a while I'll give you a sandwich. You can squat in the office on the floor when it gets too cold outside. We can even get you a little blanket to lie on...

Opera is credible drama now, and it costs less than going to a football match. What have you got to lose?

That was when I realised that music is the most profound, magical form of communication there is.

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.