I prefer it when the conductor follows me. It is more difficult to work with a conductor who does not listen - even if I understand that sometimes it makes sense when one person is ruling everything. But for bel canto, I have to have a conductor who listens and supports me.
The world's history is a divine poem, of which the history of every nation is a canto, and every man a word. Its strains have been pealing along down the centuries, and though there have been mingled the discords of warring cannon and dying men, yet to the Christian philosopher and historian - the humble listener - there has been a Divine melody running through the song which speaks of hope and halcyon days to come.
There was something in the bel canto, not just opera, but a certain style of Italian singing that I responded to deeply.
I want to be known by people who are knowledgeable about opera, who appreciate bel canto singing, people who have more sensitivity.
Bel canto is to opera what pole-vaulting is to ballet.
My voice is not so much 'bel canto' as 'can belto'.