The first such event took place at the Op ra de Paris and essentially revealed female voices, but here, in Bayreuth, I meet again with pleasure the one who was the only male finalist of this first contest, a young bass, Kwangchul Youn, who is singing the night-watchman in 'Mastersingers'. Yes, even if it is limited. You know, I am happy with what I am doing and with this life I am leading. When I am asked this kind of question, I always answer that, did I not like it, I would not do it, because nobody is forcing me. As I have the possibility to do what I want, I do it because I love it.
Life is difficult, yes.
But life is difficult for almost everybody. And when you are doing a job because you want to do it, any complaint is out of place. After so many years, I could retire. If I do not, it is because I madly love this life. If you accept it, you have to find some serenity in it.