Spitalfields Music Festival 2026

In the Belly of the Beast


Carolyn Sampson stars in thrilling new adaptations of Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre's opera

Saturday 27th June, 4:30pm / 7:30pm

Metronome London

In the Belly of the Beast brings together the unique intimacy of Elisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre’s baroque cantata for voice and continuo with a completely contemporary theatrical approach. Three stories of biblical men – Adam, Jonah, and Jephthah – told from the perspective of women in their orbits.

These cantatas are a thrilling examination of the human condition, individuals brought together in their attempts to confront the unfairness of the world humanity finds itself in, and uncover the true cruelty and arbitrariness of the powers that be.

Carolyn Sampson stars in three works from de la Guerre’s Cantates Bibliques translated by Toria Banks and produced in partnership by Mahogany Opera, Dunedin Consort and HERA.

From the team that brought us 2023’s Out of Her Mouth:
★★★★★ “A revelation…a pulsing, vibrant slice of music drama…raw storytelling and powerful drama made all the more immediate here by the use of Toria Banks’s English translation.” The Times

Carolyn Sampson     Soprano
Mariana Rodrigues   Soprano
Dunedin Consort

Duration: 1hr 5 minutes


In the Belly of the Beast is generously supported by Nottingham Trent University

Book tickets

SATURDAY 27 JUNE
4:30 PM
SATURDAY 27 JUNE
7:30 PM

Venue information

Metronome London

41 Commercial Road
London
E1 1LA
United Kingdom