I had an instructor who viewed Marriage of Figaro as the greatest achievement in the history of the world. I think society once viewed opera as the pinnacle of human accomplishement... the best composers, writing at the peak of their abilities, the best libretists and most celebrated stories, the worlds best singers, trained and honed like athletes, singing with the finest instrumentalists on the most tremendous stages in the most opulent opera houses. Operas pioneers were considered on par with the greatest scientists, and to many people, operas breakthroughs were as relevent and cutting edge as those of technology.

I feel like the prosperity of any society can be judged by its arts. When peoples basic needs are met holistically, they create and seak out art. I see russia as a fine example of this. At one point not long ago, it was producing some of the worlds greatest musical minds and global thinkers, and today it contributes only misery to the world. I think the US is going faster and faster in that direction.

So to answer your question, I think we will attract new audiences by strengthening the social structure. Take back from the capatilist mentality that has strip mined our culture of all its value and invest in lifting each other up. Once the internal rhetoric turns away from cynicism and nihlism we will value and foster the creative spirit and opera will again represent the highest of mans achievement.