Original post-minimalist composer Elodie Lauten is the composer of the 2003 opera Waking in New York based on a selection of Allen Ginsberg poems about New York City. In April 2009 Lauten was featured along with Yoko Ono in the “Women Forward” exhibition in Williamsburg. In March 2009 she premiered her Two-cents Opera at Theater for the New City. Lauten also collaborated frequently with Arthur Russell, singing and playing keyboards with him in various ensembles during the 1980s.