Elodie Lauten (1950–2014) was a French-born American composer and pianist, recognized as a pioneer of postminimalism. Classically trained from the age of seven, she earned a Master's in composition from New York University. Lauten's innovative works, including operas like "The Death of Don Juan" and "Waking in New York," blended minimalism with neoclassical elements. Her compositions have been showcased at venues such as Lincoln Center and the Whitney Museum. In 2014, she received the Robert Rauschenberg Award from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts. ([foundationforcontemporaryarts.org](https://www.foundationforcontemporaryarts.org/recipients/elodie-lauten/?utm_source=openai))