A Sum of Our Parts
As part of its Public Works program, the Princeton Art Collective brought back contralto Lauren Decker for another stunning performance at Parlor Hotel. This set of music, A Sum of our Parts, featured Vignettes: Ellis Island and other music of our origins.
To complement the music, PARC invited guest chef Ann Vaj to prepare a Southeast-Asian-inspired dinner prior to the concert at Horseradish Kitchen.
July 17, 2025:
“A Sum of Our Parts” was over a week ago and I'm still struggling to distill how much this evening meant to me in a social media post. What I can say is that making art with a broken heart is one of the most difficult and beautiful opportunities l've ever been given. That community is the answer. It always has been and is our only path forward. That storytelling offers incredible wisdom - we must listen and care deeply for the stories shared with us. And that we are truly a sum of our parts. Nothing is ever achieved alone.
Thank you @scottgendel for bringing more of your magic to Princeton - we are all the better for it.
Thank you @arianaxtragrande for capturing the evening so beautifully.
Thank you to @lisforlaurence and @gregwright7 who match all of my visions and creative whims with action and support.
Thank you to @theparcdepartment for building the most remarkable community.
Thank you to@sammygood for dreaming big with me even when everything is crashing down around us.
And Mona, who continues to bring beauty to my life in so many unexpected and profound ways. My voice wavered but singing your music felt sacred and I will hold onto that feeling as tightly as I do your memory
- Lauren Decker
“Simple Child”
Ricky Ian Gordon, Grapes of Wrath
This is from grapes of wrath the opera. And while the piece is actually about Noah, who was born a “simple child”, I think it suites the set because it’s 1)beautiful 2) from iconic American lit.
“Like this… This is like the dress I never had”
Phillip Brunelle, The Tender Land
This speaks to the sacrifice our ancestors made to advance our lives.
“In the North the cloud-flower blossoms”
John Adams, Doctor Atomic
This is basically Oppenheimer the Opera
Second Half Pt. II
“Give Me Your Tired, Your Poor”
Irving Berlin
“Edelweiss”
Rodgers & Hammerstein, The Sound of Music