Giorgos Koumendakis’ 2014 work The Murderess creates a surprising musical world that marks an evolution in the composer’s distinct personal idiom. 
Yannis Svolos, who created the libretto, has reduced the plot of The Murderess to its essentials, while retaining Papadiamantis’ language in its purest form. 

Alexandros Efklidis’ approach to staging seeks to capture the heroine’s psyche in a poetic way. The production is a balancing act between the scale demanded by the presence of multiple choruses and a multitude of characters, and the smallness of Frangoyannoù’s inner monologue.  

Petros Touloudis’ sets and costumes (designed in collaboration with Ioanna Tsami) create a dark, furtive, guilt-ridden and earthy world, where Frangoyannoù’s “agonies” interact with the haunting natural landscapes of the island of Skiathos. The lighting is by Vinicio Cheli.

Vassilis Christopoulos, the renowned maestro and former artistic director of the Athens State Orchestra, conducts the orchestra. The Greek National Opera Orchestra is accompanied by three soloists on stage, as well as four choral ensembles.

The exceptionally demanding title role is performed by Mary-Ellen Nesi, a renowned Greek mezzo-soprano who has built an international career performing over 40 major roles in major opera houses in Europe, North America and Asia, as well as an impressive recording discography. He is joined by an array of established and emerging Greek soloists, including Anna Stylianaki, Tassos Apostolou, Myrto Bokolini, Vangelis Maniatis, Sophia Kyanidou, Fylli Georgiadou, Yannis Christopoulos, Yanni Yannissis, Nicholas Stefanou, Marilena Striftobola, Stelina Apostolopoulou, Miranda Makrynioti, and Giorgos Papadimitriou.