Strauss' exciting and bold adaptation to the Greek tragedy will be a new production of the award-winning Christof Loy. This uncompromising opera, about a daughter of bloody revenge and a mother driven by madness, has invited critics to a lively debate since the 1909 premiere and has been both shocking and exciting. Antonio Pappano directs music that combines moments of violence and exquisite tenderness. his first Strauss interpretation of the Royal Opera since 2002. Prominent roles include Nina Stemme (during the recent seasons Brnnhilde Der Ring des Nibelungen) in the title role and Karita Mattila, who debuted as the haunted queen Klytmnestra.