'Atonement' opera in the works

LONDON, March 19 (UPI) -- Author Ian McEwan says an English-language opera based on his novel "Atonement" is to have its premiere at a German opera house in 2013.

The period romance was previously adapted as an Oscar-nominated film starring Keira Knightley and James McAvoy.

Composer and BBC Radio 3 presenter Michael Berkeley is writing the music for the opera, while poet Craig Raine is penning the libretto, the BBC said.

McEwan has declined to name the opera house where the musical version of "Atonement" is expected to debut, however, the British broadcaster noted.