The essential problem is one of interesting new audiences in CM at the
same time that the average attention span is dwindling among young people.
The issue is not one of elites, but of market segmentation and how to
increase that segment of the market.  Years ago I wrote record liner notes
for Columbia, RCA and others.  When RCA came out with their the Great
Composers' Greatest Hits, the objective was to attract new listeners with
popular exerpts, hoping they would become more CM oriented.  I was asked
to make the liner notes especially interesting.  The result were about 30
"interviews" with the great composers.  The objective was to use humor to
make them accessible personalities.  I was told it was effective, but have
no proof.  I am interested in the things people and performers are doing to
freshen up CM and attract new audiences.

Charles Yulish