Cook up a tune or two

Newport chef Wanitha Tanasingham will feature at the Asian Music and Dance Festival which comes to The Studio at Sydney Opera House, August 14-18. Tanasingham, originally from Malaysia, will present a free show in the foyer, A Rhythm in cooking, with an accompanying dancer and drummer, in which she demonstrates analogies between history, music and food.

For the first time in Sydney, Tanasingham showcases the liveliness of the kitchen, using equipment such as wooden chopping boards, cleavers and graters to create her music.

"The whole performance is about food," she said. "You can hear the rhythm in the process and action of cooking."

"Food is extremely sacred to everyone in the world. The movement, dance and joy of a community coming together is spectacular. This is a brilliant demonstration."

"Food should connect the body, mind and spirit.”

Tanasingham also said it was about being alive, the joy in making food and sharing it with others.

The audience will be able to share Tanasingham's cooking at the end of the session. The demonstration lasts for about an hour and is on Saturday, August 17, at 4pm.

The festival’s program also includes the world premiere of the Indian classical dance work, Power of the Feminine, by Sydney-based Odissi Dance Company, featuring Nirmal Jena; a new gamelan and dance production, The Banishment of Sekar Taji, by Sydney ensemble Langen Suka; and the meditative sounds of Sufi Music with master drummer Bobby Singh.

Tickets are $24 per concert. Concessions are available. Bookings 9250 7777 or www.sydneyoperahouse.com.

Gerry Bell