There are three vertices to the triangle of music-making.
Composer. Performer. Audience.
Can you neglect these and have an acceptable performance? Sure – within reason. A strong connection between performer and audience can transcend material that is not stellar. A strong, supportive audience can lift up a lesser performer, and powerful connection between the performer and the work can overcome an audience that is unresponsive.
But the best performances come when all three are working together to make a strong triangle.