Being steeped in the process of learning and exploring keeps me from becoming too nervous. Partly it's about not getting bored.

Learning operatic roles is ongoing, and I find that I can learn on the train or subway, during a manicure, getting my hair done, and even while driving if I only look at the score at red lights.

There's no performance where I never have to think about setting up a phrase or making a technical adjustment while I'm performing.

At this stage in my career, I don't have to take any big risks. You want to take a calculated risk, not one that leads to people saying 'yes, but there was that one time when she made that big mistake.' It's always a shame when that happens, especially if you've gotten by for decades without anything hugely tragic.