Opera Is in Trouble. Let’s Channel the Maestro.

Mr. Sachs is the author of “Toscanini: Musician of Conscience.”

Opera, that most extraordinary expression of private emotions and social conflicts, faces major problems these days. This complex, powerful art form is struggling with financial woes, aging audiences and perceived irrelevance, prompting constant hand-wringing by opera professionals over what to do about it. Opera lovers are even worrying about the genre’s survival.

One such fan, an acquaintance of mine, surprised me the other day by asking, “What would Toscanini say about the opera world today?” It’s a good question to ask........

© The New York Times