Simon Rattle

Orchestras are like people. They're the sonic embodiment of their community.

What really counts isn't whether your instrument is Baroque or modern: it's your mindset.

I've always had a profound conviction that great music is about joy, even in the face of tragedy.

We need to bring music to the people, even to those who normally do not listen to classical music.

I believe if you're not completely in love with what you're doing, you'd better find another profession.

Some of my favorite music in the world is Haydn. I had a sabbatical one year and made myself one promise: to play a different Haydn piano sonata each day - they are inexhaustible treasures.

We have to be evangelists for music. We couldn't just be high priests of music.

Sometimes, musicians worry too much about how beautifully they are playing.

Learning music is a birthright. And you have to start young.

My only interest is in sharing great music with more and more people.