How has opera been able to stay around for our four centuries?

https://www.lyricopera.org

Opera is an old artform that has somehow been able to stay alive through the use of national outreach programs, subsided rates, and live broadcastings of performance.  All of this has been done in order to attract a larger and younger fan base to the opera.  Opera companies have tried many things to appeal to the preferences of the youth.   Laura Blumenthal in an article entitled “Could Musicals Help Turn Young People to Opera?” states that "they have special matinee performances available to schools at a highly subsidised rate, as well as supplying teaching aids to support performances."  This makes it easier for certain people to attend the opera who may not be able to afford the regular price.  Also, programs like the Youth Opera Council and the Lyric Opera have been created to keep younger people interested in this amazing artform.  Another way operas have been able to attract audiences is by live-streaming performances. Many opera companies do this and so do many universities who broadcast their recitals, concerts, and operas.  Having this technology has been very helpful for attracting audience to this art form because is very convenient and inexpensive.

Opera companies have always tried to keep up with their audiences changing preferences, and there have always been people who enjoy experiencing this important artform that has been around for over four centuries from operas by  Handel to Bellini and now Britten.  According to an article by Carolyn McDowell from the Culture Concept Circle, “To gain an appreciation for any culture and its art forms people have to be exposed to it, preferably one on one. If that’s not possible education is the next best thing.”  Opera, which started in Italy at the end of the 16th century, is an artform that has been a part of the Western classical music tradition for over four centuries, and it will be for years to come.