Bagworm is a multimedia DIY opera experience inspired by the fascinating bagworm (psychidae) moths, composed and performed by Reader in Music Composition, Dr Nina Whiteman.
Bagworm moth larvae construct a protective and camouflaging bag from items in their environment, such as sand, lichen, sticks, and bits of dead insect. The opera presents a complex Bagworm character, reflecting on threats to our wonderful and idiosyncratic species, such as light pollution and climate change.
The opera allows us to consider the beauty of the natural world through collaged videos I have made whilst out exploring in England, Scotland and Wales. We are also confronted by a technologised performer, using a motion sensor, remote-controlled lighting, and a wearable loudspeaker, who is perhaps at odds with her environment…
This event is presented as part of the New Sounds Festival 2026, in partnership with the International Concert Series 2025-26 - VOX HUMANA - at Royal Holloway.
About the performers
Nina Whiteman is a composer, vocalist, and multimedia artist. Her project BELOW GROUND is a collaborative interdisciplinary investigation of the subterranean (funded by Arts Council England in 2023), and has included multisensory multimedia performances as well as ‘sonic gardening’ workshops in the community. Nina sings in and co-directs Trio Atem (flute, mezzo, cello), who specialise in performances of new and recent repertoire with an emphasis on commissioning new work and cross-genre projects. Engagements have included the Bridgewater Hall (BBC Philharmonic Ink Still Wet series), Kings Place, York Late Music Festival, Leeds University Contemporary Music Festival, RMA student conference, and The University of Manchester lunchtime concert series. Read more.
