About the Program

History's Persistent Voice 

Julia Bullock, Curator and Singer
Christian Reif, Conductor
Hana S. Kim, Visual Artist and Projection Designer
New Haven Symphony Orchestra
Cath Brittan, Line Producer
ArKtype / Thomas O. Kriegsmann & Sami Pyne, Producers
Produced in Partnership with Yale Schwarzman Center

History’s Persistent Voice, Julia Bullock’s original and ever-developing program, highlights the words, work, and experiences of B/black artists. In this mixed media concert, voices spanning across generations who were enslaved through the 1860s are heard alongside those who lived through years of colonialism, convict leasing, sharecropping, Jim Crow, and mass incarceration. 

Julia Bullock notes: “Several years ago, the composer Jessie Montgomery and I started going through this anthology that was released just after the Civil War. These educators and musicologists went across the United States to newly freed communities of people who had been enslaved, and transcribed 136 lyrics and melodies. After reviewing all of these songs, which yes, acknowledge the violence, trauma and oppression that was very much a reality at that time, what was deeply inspiring for me to read—and now to vocalize—is this clear affirmation of life.”

History’s Persistent Voice features all-new commissioned music by an esteemed roster of women. “With all of those themes of inspiration, aspiration, and seeking one’s own liberation through creative endeavors,” Bullock says, “I sought to find composers that could represent this incredible diversity of voices and experience—they include Jessie Montgomery, Tania León, Allison Loggins-Hull, Carolyn Yarnell, Pamela Z, and Cassie Kinoshi — a group of B/black identifying women who are tremendous, thoughtful musicians.” Although cycles of targeted violence, oppression, and demoralization are ongoing, I believe it’s clear for every artist featured on this program, that various forms of human expression can facilitate some manifestation of liberation and freedom.”

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