On October 18th, the ARTSLab became something more than a venue. It became a place where music, memory, and meaning intertwined—where Majel Connery took the stage and gave us Elderflora, a performance that wasn’t just heard, but felt.
ICYMI: Majel Connery’s Elderflora—A Performance Rooted in Story and Sound
On October 18th, the ARTSLab became something more than a venue. It became a place where music, memory, and meaning intertwined—where Majel Connery took the stage and gave us Elderflora, a performance that wasn’t just heard, but felt.
This was no ordinary concert. It was an exploration, a meditation, a journey—one that traced the life of a tree, from its first fragile roots to its towering heights and, ultimately, to the moment it returned to the earth. But the story was not just about trees. It was about us—our growth, our struggles, and the mark we leave behind.
Connery’s haunting vocals and rich electronic textures wrapped around the audience, pulling them deep into the story’s branches. And with Felix Fan on electric cello, the music didn’t just accompany the tale—it gave it breath, pulse, urgency. Together, they created a sound that was both ancient and futuristic, deeply personal yet universal.
But Elderflora was more than a work of art. It was a reflection—on time, on nature, on the ways we are connected to something larger than ourselves. It was a reminder that like the trees, we grow, we endure, and in the end, we become part of the world we leave behind.
To Majel Connery, we extend our deepest gratitude. Your music, your vision, and your storytelling have left a lasting impression on this community. For those who missed it, don’t let this be the last time—learn more at majelconnery.com. Some performances stay with you long after the music fades.
Join organizers Madrone Matishak and Sarah Bennett Davidson for an overview of the New Mexico Dance Hackathon, an initiative bringing together dance and new media artists to experiment and create innovative work across performance, installation, and film. This info session offers a look at past projects, insights into the creative process, and details on how to apply for this year’s program, culminating in final presentations at UNM ARTSLab this July.
ARTSLab is excited to continue its partnership with Unity in Spring 2026 with two free webinars and two free 10-hour courses, open to anyone in the state of New Mexico.
ARTSLab was recently featured in two articles highlighting its work at the intersection of art, technology, and innovation, including student-led projects and a NASA-funded VR initiative.