We want an ensemble of stars, not comets.

We are similar to a museum. My function is to present old masterpieces in modern frames.

Miss Renata Tebaldi was always sweet and very firm... she had dimples of iron.

Expressions of disapproval are on a level of vulgarity that cannot be tolerated. The way to express disapproval is to do without applause.

The opera always loses money. That's as it should be. Opera has no business making money.

It is so much worse to be a mediocre artist than to be a mediocre post-office clerk.

How nice the human voice is when it isn't singing.

I will not enter into a public feud with Madame Callas, since I am well aware that she has considerably greater competence and experience at that kind of thing than I have.

It is becoming increasingly difficult to obtain the services of first-class conductors. They are sick and tired of dealing with singers, as I am.

I never socialized with singers. It's very dangerous if you work with opera... I don't think that in 30 years a singer has entered my apartment.

I never for a moment believed they would perform at 10 o'clock in the morning. It's hard enough getting them to perform at 8 at night.

See life as if it is a miracle, and will find that it is indeed a miracle!

My mother told me to be a lady. And for her, that meant be your own person, be independent

If you don't get disappointed when you raise your expectations

When people are like, 'College! Oh my God! Ultimate freedom!' I didn't feel that way. My roommates were loving hitting the town, but I wasn't as psyched about going to the frats.

The whole cable-TV original programming just changed the nature of television.

Worry is evidence of an ill-controlled brain; it is merely a stupid waste of time in unpleasantness.

A grill is just a source of heat. Just like a stove, it is very user-friendly.

I like horror movies, they're fun. It was the most fun I've had on a movie set.

Some thoughtlessly proclaim the Muses nine: A tenth is Sappho, maid divine.

By doing just a little every day, I can gradually let the task completely overwhelm me.