Tendencies of development of the Russian opera art in the context of modern musical culture

In article urgent problems of development of the Russian opera in the changed welfare conditions of modern society in Russia are considered. There are new tendencies, such as: massovization of musical culture, emphasis on a visual element of perception, strengthening of entertaining function, penetration into opera art of synthesis of various musical phenomena (electronic and computer technologies, mass media, global communications, cellular communication, Internet, etc.), search of new forms of a musical performance, are noted. Authors consider new trends in an opera genre from the different points of view, try to compare and analyse various opinions and statements of the leading musicians, teachers and scientists.