Background
Andie Kay received her degree in music from The Hartt Conservatory of Music, in Hartford, Conn. After graduating, she moved to London for master studies in recital and opera performance. She has performed in St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Sadler’s Wells, Kent Opera, Sir Michael Tippett’s television version of “King Priam,” directed by Nicholas Hytner, and the West End musical “Chess” – in England. Andie has performed the role of Cherubino, in “The Marriage of Figaro,” with The Israeli State Opera, Tel Aviv and has been a soloist with the University of CA., in Korea, performing Aaron Copland’s “In the Beginning.” Andie is blessed to be singing (again!) with Rabbi Naomi Levy.
What’s it like for you to be part of the Nashuva band?
For me singing with the Nashuva band is praying. To stand with Naomi is powerful. I love the stories, the homilies she offers. I love the Nashuva prayer book. The prayers jump off the page to me. Naomi has rewritten, transformed, transposed the service to be accessible and moving. Before it was just words, now they mean something to me.
What is the Nashuva service like for you?
The Nashuva service lifts and enlightens my soul.
What is the connection between you music and your prayer?
My music and my prayer are one.
How would you describe Nashuva?
The Nashuva service and its music is a new traditional service. I like that it’s based in tradition and many of the melodies are old, but Naomi has taken it to a different level. It’s the old made new. Because of that it envelopes anyone. Anyone can enter the sanctuary and feel the light. And Nashuva to me is a place where everyone is welcome.
How would you describe the community?
For me spiritual life is music. The community is growing in depth and closeness. It hasn’t become homogeneous. It’s a broad mix: young children, teens, college students, people in their twenties, thirties, forties and up, older people, Christians, Jews. But we are all people looking for our souls to be enriched.
How is Nashuva an expression of your Judaism?
The Nashuva experience is taking my Judaism to the next level. It’s taking my devotion to a higher place. The fact that prayer leads to action is paramount.
What is your prayer experience at Nashuva?
The beauty of the sanctuary, the quietness in the service, is giving me a space to stop and be quiet and listen. I like to be quiet at Nashuva and talk to God. It’s peaceful and safe.