[labard1]

"the conductor never programs new work. BORING!"

Apart from poor acoustics at many concert sites, I find the need of my local conductors to do so many contemporary works so unpalatable that I no longer attend. I love my classical CDs and my classical FM stations, and I do attend the occasional local chamber group, but find most orchestral performances less than memorable. I was spoiled in my student years by hearing Sir John Barbarolli and the Halle frequently.

[Texas Chrystal]

A lot of new work is pretty ear-shattering. Those pieces are no fun to listen to OR play. However, there are many new composers that write fantastic work. Maslanka, Dougherty, Tichelli and Michael Tilson-Thomas are some of my favorite. I'll also include Frank Zappa in that category although he is a little "older."
Check them out.