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I endeavor that all orchestras I conduct sound Central European.

There's not an orchestra in the world that doesn't have weaknesses. None of us can play everything well. The repertoire is just too big.

Symphonic orchestras have almost become a glut in the market.

So, first you have to be able to play with a metronome. Then you take your freedom. If you play in an orchestra, you got to watch the conductor, he is like a metronome, but it is more difficult because he can change rhythms.

I think conductors do spend too little time with their orchestras.

It's not all that different with the orchestra. There are orchestras that seem to be encased in dough, so that first you have to break through the normal routine, and clear out the openings.

I always imagined that to bring an orchestra to play together is not enough for a conductor.

An American orchestra doesn't want to play more than it has to. I respectfully disagree with that attitude.

With El Sistema, you can create orchestras everywhere; then they can decide whether they want to become professional musicians. The aim is not only to create musicians, but to create people.