Both dining and music can be sensory experiences.

Put them together, and you have SoundBites, a coalescing of talents from indie chef Derek Bergemann and cellist Jonah “Yoni” Draiblate.

“The concept of SoundBites is to synthesize the two senses together,” said Draiblate, who just left a position with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra for the Florida Symphony in St. Petersburg.

They work in collaboration, Bergemann creating a small plates menu and Draiblate composing the harmony for private parties.

For example, at a recent party, the chef presented corn five ways and Draiblate ripped into several bright, quick movements from Paganini.

At the same party, Bergemann made a course that included beer-braised brisket, chili with mustard greens and black-eyed peas, while Draiblate riffed on the bluesy shuffle “Truckin’ through the South” by Aaron Minsky.

Begermann completed his culinary training at Columbus State Community College and apprenticed at the Athletic Club of Columbus.

He found professional kitchens too confining, so branched out on his own, creating Underground Kitchen, a private chef service.

“I’ve always positioned myself to where I can say yes to things and not get tied down in one place,” he said.

He said he likes to keep a low profile, promotes his businesses by word of mouth, and entertains guests who come with a reference or are serious about the experience.

Draiblate’s journey started in Israel, where he began practicing cello at a young age. He has performed at venues across the world and completed his doctoral degree in musical arts from Temple University.

Bergemann was working at a fundraiser for the CSO when a mutual friend of the two told him he had to meet Draiblate.

“We connected,” Bergemann said.

Bergemann describes his style as health-oriented with an artistic presentation, and tries to add some entertainment to his cooking by using lighting and décor to stage the event.

Although he is relocating, Draiblate said he will make every accommodation possible for the fledgling business. The Florida Symphony’s season runs basically from Labor Day weekend to Memorial Day weekend, so he expects summers to be a busy time for SoundBites.

Bergemann said SoundBites can be held nearly anywhere with a kitchen and entertaining area, so the two plan to branch out into different states, even countries.

Starting cost for the service is $3,000, whether it’s for two or 20 people. Draiblate likened it to a couple going out on the town, a fancy dinner, show and drinks.

At a SoundBites event, the mood is relaxed and friends can help offset the cost of an unforgettable evening, he said.

“It’s the highest level of cooking, the highest level of music without the (snobbery),” Draiblate said.

For more information, email Draiblate at yoni_draiblate@yahoo.com or Bergemann at derek@kitchen-underground.com.

onrestaurants@dispatch.com

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: New venture combines music and food