Hostage International community volunteer organises opera to raise funds for people affected by hostage situations

Verdi’s opera classic, La Traviata, was performed by London’s City Music Services in the stunning surroundings of Denmans Garden in rural Sussex, UK, on 11 October 2025 to raise essential funds for Hostage International.

The fund-raising event was the brainchild of Hostage International volunteer fundraiser, Jo Bowen, who wants more people to be aware of and support the work of Hostage International.

Jo, from Felpham, West Sussex, said: “Having travelled extensively throughout my life for both work and play and seen some difficult situations, I know that a kidnap or arbitrary detention could happen to anyone at any point – for simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“As such I want to help raise awareness and funds for this unique charity which offers expert help for people caught up in terrible situations. I enjoy opera so thought I’d organise this fundraiser to bring two things close to my heart together – music and Hostage International.”

Patrons of Hostage International, both former hostages, John McCarthy CBE and Judith Tebbutt, attended the event to introduce the performance and highlight the work of the charity and to encourage people to give here. 

Lara Symons, CEO of Hostage International, said: “It is fabulous to have community fundraisers like Jo helping to highlight our work and raise essential funds to enable us to support individuals and families going through the ordeal of a hostage situation – and beyond.

“We are very grateful to Jo and everyone at Denmans Garden for their generosity in helping highlight the work of Hostage International and to raise funds.”

The team from Denmans Garden is donating the venue where professional and amateur singers from City Music Services will be performing La Traviata, including Hostage International trustee Don McGown who will be appearing as the doctor in the opera.

Gwendolyn van Paasschen, owner of Denmans, said: “As long-time supporters of Hostage International and its sister organisation Hostage US, we are honoured to welcome John and Jude here at Denmans Garden for this very special event.

“Hostage International provides unique and much needed services especially to the families of hostages who face unimaginable, complex, and heart-rending circumstances.

“We hope this evening of stories and music provided by the phenomenal City Music team will help spread the word about Hostage International’s work and will raise much needed funds for this vital mission.”

Funds raised at the event will go towards the essential work of Hostage International in providing expert support for those affected by hostage-taking, kidnappings and arbitrary detentions. Find out more about our work here.

PLEASE GIVE WHAT YOU CAN HERE. 

IMAGE: Jo Bowen and her husband David are pictured here with some of the Hostage International team at Denmans Garden.

updated October 2025