“It's so important which musicians we choose for being in the orchestra...” — Andris Nelsons Quote

It's so important which musicians we choose for being in the orchestra.

I feel too young in 2018 to take over the Berlin Philharmonic as the successor to Simon Rattle.

People talk very much about, 'What can we do with the orchestra in the 21st century?' We should think about the 21st century, of course.

As for my relationship to Beethoven, I admire people who can say what they really think. It's as though he's saying, 'That's how I feel about the world, and I don't care what people may say.' His music is pure and honest. Beethoven never pretends to be anybody else.

You have to change your mind with every orchestra because every orchestra has a different character.

I often play on the cello-bass side of the orchestra, because I prefer the deep sounds. I can't hear the violins well.

I played in orchestras all through high school and taught myself how to play guitar.

I recorded the song live in front of an orchestra, and yes, I was very moved, I was in tears.

When I first wrote for orchestra, I didn't realize, when you have 20 people playing a violin line, that is very different than one person playing that line.