"I love this idea of 'intersection' for inspiration when it comes to describing American music or its characteristics," classical singer Julia Bullock says in a new video from Boosey & Hawkes for its America at 250 series ahead of the country's semiquincentennial in 2026. "There's no apology for where those inspirations are coming from, so whether it's directly quoting or imitating the sort of collage and then the depth of expression that can come out of the layering effect, I put all these things together because it brings me great pleasure and joy and often surprises me tremendously." You can see what else she has to say here:

The score to the video is Julia Bullock's performance of the Traditional Black Spiritual "City Called Heaven," arranged in 1930 by Hall Johnson, featuring poetry and music developed by enslaved person/s in the United States. The recording is from Bullock's acclaimed 2022 solo debut album, Walking in the Dark, which won the Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album. You can hear it and get it on vinyl and CD here.

Julia Bullock performs in recital at the Lakes Area Music Festival in Minnesota, accompanied by pianist Bretton Brown, on August 8 and again at Bold Tendencies in London later in the month. For details and tickets, visit nonesuch.com/on-tour.