MIXING the haunting sounds of traditional jewish music with the passion of flamenco has reaped rewards for Yasmin Levy.

The strikingly beautiful Jerusalem-based singer appeared on the Jools Holland show last year and has been nominated for two BBC World Music Awards.

While the 30 year-old’s name may not yet be familiar to many, she is sure to find many new fans in bringing her passionate music to the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells as part of a UK tour.

Speaking to the Kent Messenger Group, she explains her music and life in the ever-fraught Middle East.

For those who are not familiar with you, how would you describe your music?

The Ladino songs (Judeo - Espanol) go back more then 600 years, and I give them a new flavour, mixed with Turkish music (my late father was from Turkey) and with flamenco. The songs are about love, hope, happiness & sadness, both funny & deep...

Your latest album, La Juderia feels bittersweet- both passionate and full of sadness, is this something you were aiming to achieve with it?

Yes. I am the happiest person in the world yet I also carry huge sadness in my heart. I have always felt more connected to sad music. For years I tried to change that, until I realised that perhaps that is what I’m here to do... to make people touch things they might otherwise forget...I hope.

What was it like studying Flamenco in Spain and how do you think it has changed your music?

It was the greatest time of my life. I got to know an amazing world of culture and people...a different way of thinking about music and about life. I got the chance to be the student of great singers, something you don’t get every day.

I think this has completely changed my style of singing, and coupled with my Sephardi heritage, this became my guideline in the making of my La Juderia album.

You have been described by the national media in England as the next world music superstar, how do you feel about that?

I was genuinely flattered by that. There are so many great singers in world music and the fact that people appreciate what you do and are touched by that gives me as a person and as an artist great joy & happiness.

Last year you appeared on the Jools Holland show, what was he like and what was it like making your debut on British TV?

Unfortunately we did not have the chance to speak with Jools. I was very excited to do the show especially as it was a live recording. There was a lot of adrenalin in the air.

Do you listen to western pop/rock music, if so what bands or artists do you admire?

I don’t listen too much western pop/rock music. I love music from Turkey, Greece and Persia (Iran). I love Jazz. And sometimes in my car I like to listen to Tina Turner, Julio Iglesias, and Pavarotti.

How do you feel about coming over to England for the tour, have you been to Kent before?

I love coming to England - both to the cities as well as the countryside. I’m particularly happy that this tour will allow me to connect with a broader cross-section of people in the UK. I’ve heard about the beauty of Kent - and am so pleased my UK Tour will open there. First nights are always so exciting for me!

Were you and your family in Jerusalem when the recent war between Israel and Hezbollah was happening? What did you make of this conflict?

I was mostly touring in Europe this summer. I think the only solution for this conflict is that both sides need to sit down and find the best way to live together and to respect each other as human beings.

What is the place like to live in and has it had a strong effect on your music?

This place is me. The different people, the different foods, scents and traditions; the different ways of praying, of celebrating holidays - they all mix together with the sadness of Jerusalem...all of which gets into my soul and into my music.

Yasmin Levy peforms at the Trinity Theatre in Tunbridge Wells on Tuesday, October 3. Tickets £12.50/£14.50.