title: Yan Tan Tethera (opera)
text: # Yan Tan Tethera (opera)
  
  Yan Tan Tethera is a chamber opera (subtitled A Mechanical Pastoral) by the English composer Harrison Birtwistle with a libretto by the poet Tony Harrison, based on a supernatural folk tale about two shepherds, their sheep, and the Devil. It was first performed at Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, on 7 August 1986. The title comes from a traditional way of counting sheep.
  
  ## Roles
  
  | Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 7 August 1986 (Conductor: Elgar Howarth) |
  | - | - | - |
  | Alan | baritone | Omar Ebrahim |
  | Hannah | soprano | Helen Charnock |
  | Caleb Raven | baritone | Philip Doghan |
  | Piper/Bad 'Un | tenor | Richard Suart |
  