Renee Fleming

“My mother was the worst kind of stage mother. She would make me and my younger sister and brother little duckling costumes and put us in kiddie shows.”

“A lot of performers don't want to leave the circuit, the European opera house circuit, partly because most singers don't sing many concerts, or at least not while they are in their prime.”

“I'm not exactly an angry young person.”

“I have not changed with the accomplishments. I've remained the same. If I had changed, great. You know, but I haven't.”

“Every singer eventually gets around to a Christmas disc.”

“With classical singing you have to put out so much air - you project, you emit force.”

“I'm rarely singing in English.”

“For years, I had no time for exploratory travel.”

“I'm not a reactionary.”

“I want to keep my voice young, with nothing heavy.”

“Some of my first teachers were incredibly tough. You could never sing more than three words without being stopped and having to do it over 20 times. I loved that - that sort of process of dissecting and trying to figure out and master this incredibly mysterious instrument.”

“I've always been inspired by artists who have shown musical and intellectual curiosity and the courage to take risks.”

“I want to get out of the major opera houses.”

“My parents were both high-school music teachers.”

“Contrary to the norm, as my technique improved my voice became higher.”

“I enjoy the more floaty, exposed, elegant singing.”

“I have had a very difficult time with stage fright; it undermines your well-being and peace of mind, and it can also threaten your livelihood.”

“No voice teacher can be all things to all people. You have to gain information from whatever sources you can. You have to listen.”

“I was always a very good student.”

“Very few opera singers in history have been able to cross into popular music.”