Adapted by the late composer Nicholas Maw (1935-2009) from William Styron's prize-winning 1979 novel, the opera +Sophie's Choice (like the 1982 Hollywood feature of the same name) dramatizes the plight of a Polish concentration camp survivor stricken with extreme psychological damage for the horrific, impossible choice she had to make at the hands of the Nazis. This particular 2002 stage production (by the Royal Opera House) constituted the premiere of the work. Directed by the eminent Trevor Nunn, it stars Angelika Kirchschlager as Sophie, Gordon Gietz as Stingo, and Rod Gilfry as Nathan; Rob Howell designed the sets. The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House lends symphonic accompaniment, led by Sir Simon Rattle; the Royal Opera Chorus, directed by Terry Edwards, also contributes. Peter Manning serves as chorus master.
