A time to build up, a time to break down

The break down proceeds apace.  Opera, which grew out of sacred oratorio and the Mass, falls in popularity in England (and elsewhere, no doubt.)  In the same way that some seeking to restore the popularity of the Mass have resorted to inauthentic modes of renewal reeking of desperation, so do we see the same futile strategy being applied to opera.   No doubt the result will be the same; inauthentic renewal accelerates the popularity breakdown.
The Faith will build a new culture.  The old one is drawing its final breaths.