When playing music, it is possible to achieve a unique sense of peace.

Playing and listening to music gives you a sense of fulfilment because you have to put everything in you at its disposal.

'Tristan' is a very unique case, not just in Wagner's output, but in music in general. It remains contemporary no matter what else surrounds it. There is something self-renewing about it.

I was never really interested in an operatic post, but I took on the Bastille because it seemed a unique opportunity to build an opera ensemble from scratch, and to deal with all the disciplines that go into opera - the music, the staging and the singing - in an interrelated way.

I have music in my brain all the time, all sorts.

I have loved Elliott Carter's music for many years.