Martin Bencsik, a professor of physics and mathematics at Nottingham  Trent University (England), has converted a cello into an observational beehive study the vibrations made by the bees in the body of the instrument. Martin’s wife Deirdre, a professional cellist, can be seen bowing the cello as bees fly in and out of the hive in the video embedded to the left. The bees’ reactions to Deirdre’s playing are not addressed in this video or in other sources regarding this project (further research is certainly in order). In explaining his motivation, Martin explains his understanding that the England has a shortage of tree hollows and suitable habitats for honeybees, and his sacrificing of a conversion of a musical instrument into a hive is intended as a call for environmental awareness and responsibility.

The back of the cello has been removed and replaced with a clear plexiglass material, making the inside of the instrument entirely visible. Thus, the bees can be seen actively drawing out the comb of their hive, starting from the neck joint at the top of the cello’s resonating chamber and working their way down. The increasing density of the hive effects the timbral properties of the cello, though this is not addressed directly in the video. (source)