It’s very hard to get people interested in opera. I used to teach acting to opera singers (they need it!) and became involved in the whole scene. A great art but the prices and the lack of understanding of the librettos and complex music seems to put people off.
I have been listening all day at work to my favorite opera - Don Giovanni. It drives many of my co-workers insane but many are coming around and say my office is a place of tranquility.
Opera is actually fairly popular. What pop act can sell out the same theater 30 times in the same city within a few months?
Like the circus. I went to several NYCO productions when they’d tour hear in LA. Their trucks were so cool featuring scenes from that season’s works. ‘Saw “Tosca”, Berlioz’ “Les Troyans”, Salinan’s “Kullervo”, “Carmen”...when Beverly Sills was running the show. Her artistic instincts were sharp. Not as sure of her business acumen. But I sure loved it.