| Yes. Not only should you go listen to them play, but if you find the programming tired, let them know that! There are more good composers floating around this country than anyone knows what to do with. The more that subscribers and audience members ask for the "chestnuts" to not be so prevalent, the more likely you'll hear more modern classics or even, heaven forbid, current pieces written by living people with living concerns.
As for amplification, sometimes it's necessary. I have a concerto for viola and chamber ensemble. It's amazing how easily you can lose that instrument in *any* setting: it's the nature of the beast and the physics of the instrument. Sometimes, an instrument needs just the slightest bit of help; otherwise, the "accompaniment" has to be so soft and/or sparse as to really limit what the composer can do. As with anything else, if well done and appropriately balanced, it can be almost unnoticeable: instead of a detraction, a benefit that brings with it greater possibilities. |