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| South African music legend Hugh Masekela speaks to students at BGSU's Donnell Theater earlier this year. (Photo: J.D. Pooley/Sentinel-Tribune) |
That first season featured a then up-and-coming cellist, Yo-Yo Ma whose stop at Bowling Green State University was mentioned in a feature story in the New York Times.
When Ma returned for the celebration of the 20th Festival Series in 2000 he was arguably the most famous classical musicians in the world.
But bringing Ma, or pianist Lang Lang, or jazz star Regina Carter, or world music pioneer Hugh Masekela, to town costs money. Lots of it. Ticket sales don't cover those costs, and some of the donated funds that helped cover the gap have evaporated.
That's leaving the College of Musical Arts, which sponsors the series, in a lurch.
"It's unsustainable in its present form," said Jeff Showell, dean of the college. Officials are in the process of "trying to redefine what it is."
