Once known as the “peoples opera” the Metropolitan Opera at Lincoln center seems to be heading into extinction. The article is a full look into the demise of one of the most renowned theaters in the U.S. Lack of funding and certain political motives were most likely the cause.
http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/05/arts/music/the-frenzied-last-act-effort-to-save-city-opera.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&