The author needs to get out of London's smothering concert halls. I'd suggest getting out of England entirely and going to a classical concert at Tanglewood or Central Park.
I think what's killing classical music is that it's stigmatized as an art form that ended in the early 20th century. You can learn to appreciate practically any kind of music if you're willing to give it a good listen. You know what just might contribute to a classical comeback? The nearly ubiquitous I-Pod.
I have lots of classical music on mine.
Nah, I've tried it. Classical music sucks on an Ipod too. SRV still sounds good on my Ipod though.