…we shouldn’t forget tiny operations such as…Tête à Tête... With scant resources, they pump fresh blood and energy into a body operatic that often looks sluggish and sclerotic.

Rupert Christiansen’s recent roundup of today’s opera, The Daily Telegraph, September, 2004

Telling a yarn may be one thing, but singing one on stage as part of a modern opera performance featuring real Shetland knitters is something else altogether...
Mr Bankes-Jones was told: “Make knitting cool"

Pete Bevington, The Shetland News
For the complete article click here.

composed by Julian Grant
libretto by Hattie Naylor

Toured During Autumn 2006.

Tête à Tête commissioned a new opera Odysseus Unwound, based on the story of Odysseus, from composer Julian Grant and librettist Hattie Naylor. Odysseus Unwound incorporated the uniquely skilled knitters and spinners of Shetland within the more orthodox company of singers, and acclaimed instrumentalists Chroma. Together we told this time-honoured tale of homecomeing, island-hopping and the fallout of war.

In Shetland knitters we recognise many kindred spirits: dedicated artists who have spent a lifetime honing and sharing their virtuosic skills; people whose creativity is central to their daily lives, whose work is of the very highest standard and of international importance and influence.

Before going on to perform the fully-developed version in Autumn 2006 we extended our unique track record for developing new work in conjunction with the public, when in Autumn 2005 we workshoped Odysseus Unwound (formerly A Shetland Odyssey) with the community of Fair Isle – an extraordinary and unique creative venture in itself..