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There is a definite Chinese pop sound developing, but I was shocked at how influenced it is by American music.

I've just had a wonderful time doing Chinese music, and it's been so rewarding for me. I feel like there's so much potential in mandarin music, and there's so much, you know, ground left to be broken.

Romantic music really stirs my soul. And, of course, I love Chinese music; it makes me feel closer to home.

I used to think that, given enough goodwill, anybody would be able to 'get' any music, no matter how distant the culture from which it came. And then I heard Chinese opera.

Music has an intrinsic value that touches Americans - they love their music, and want more.

You can enjoy many different types of music. I think that's something more Americans should think about.

I'm not trying to unite Asian people with my music.

I listen to a lot of alternative types of music: I listen to a lot of Chinese music, I listen to a lot of Asian music. It might surprise you, but I listen to a lot of Arabic music. And I don't care - music is music.

American music is a powerful ingredient in international music, and as much as it comes from within, it also comes from without.

I do believe that the Chinese are becoming international leaders in showing the way forward for concert music.