I think saying that classical music was never popular is oversimplifying it a bit. I think classical music is something it takes time to develop an appreciation for. You can't listen to Piano Concerto No. 21 In C and decide that you don't like classical in the same way that you can't listen to Rapper's Delight and decide you don't like rap. I think classical music just needs some star power and people might pay attention to it in our celebrity obsessed culture. Check out Jason Bateman talking about why hes obsessed with classical music: http://www.itsasickness.com/lounge/jason-bateman-obsessed-classical-music