Opera about Nazi atrocity being shown in Austria

VIENNA (AP) — Austrian parliamentarians and invited guests are gathering to watch the premiere of an opera depicting how Nazis methodically killed mentally or physically deficient children at a Vienna hospital during World War II.

"Spiegelgrund" is the work of Austrian composer Peter Androsch, whose great grandfather died in a concentration camp. Friday's performance will mark International Holocaust Day in Austria — a nation still atoning for its role in atrocities committed by the Nazis during the war.

The opera is being performed in a chamber of parliament used for special sessions and ceremonial events, and shown on Internet, starting at 1600 GMT (11 a.m. EST).

Since the war, Austria has gone from denial to full recognition of its part in Nazi atrocities.

The world marks Holocaust Memorial Day on Sunday.

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