Symphony Orchestra Holds ‘Ransom’ Fundraiser

The Mississippi Symphony Orchestra is known for many things, from elaborate themed concerts to outdoor events, but now, it is adding kidnapping to that rap sheet.

A recent post on the orchestra’s website features the tell-tale sign of a kidnapping—a hodgepodge of cutout letters—asking supporters to send in funds for the return of Crafton Beck, the MSO’s music director and conductor.

Of course, in actuality, the “ransom” is just the orchestra’s latest fundraising effort, and Beck is likely busy preparing his troupe of musicians for the very season that his ransom funds will help produce. As the MSO website states, the organization wanted to ask Mississippians for donations while “sparing you yet another gala event.”

The donation drive will end tomorrow, Thursday, June 7, and features five comedic tiers: $1,000 (“I love Beck and would do anything to get him back”); $500 (“The show cannot go on without Beck”); $250 (“At least you didn’t take our Concertmaster Marta”); $100 (“Couldn’t you have taken a horn player instead?”); and $50 (“He’s just a conductor”).

Every individual who gives $100 or more will receive an invitation to a “safe return” party at Beck’s home. To find more information, visit the MSO website, and to donate online, visit this link.