Very Clef-er

It was certainly an eclectic program when soprano Julia Bullock, accompanied by John Arida on the piano, wowed the audience at the Music Academy of the West’s Hahn Hall.

Bullock, who has appeared with many the world’s great orchestras, including the New York and Los Angeles philharmonics, and the London and San Francisco symphonies, sang selections from Franz Schubert, Samuel Barber, Gabriel Faure, and even a blues selection by the likes of Nina Simone, Billie Holiday, Alberta Hunter, and Spencer Williams.

The charismatic singer, who was a soloist with the New York Phil during a Santa Barbara Bowl performance three years ago and sang new works by jazz composer Tyshawn Sorey at last year’s Ojai Music Festival, made her UCSB Arts & Lectures show an electrifying moment.