The violin came naturally, and it really fit me. When I picked it up (and placed it under the chin), it looked like it had grown there. It just fit.

I had to put down the violin. It was devastating. . . . But if it hadn't happened I never would have considered conducting. I went through a total career turnaround.

My feeling is that the English are naturally anti-Semitic.

Being a cover conductor is really like being an assistant conductor because I'm there as the orchestra rehearses with the (full-time) conductor. I'm there following along (on the score) and watching. It's just incredible to be around one of the best orchestras in the world.

I do wear tails . . . I think it would be distracting to wear a long dress. You have to look ultra-formal and in command at the podium because, well, you are in command. Or you'd better be. . . . The music should be done so well that the audience forgets if you're a man or woman. There's nothing about conducting that's gender-specific.

Robin has a comfort on air that just comes to her naturally. She has fit in from the day she arrived.