Opera soprano taking her talents from the kitchen to the stage, baking by day and singing by night

HER days are filled with recipes and ingredients, while her nights are shaped by music and the stage.Teresa LaRocca would not want it any other way.

Teresa La Rocca is a Woodville local who is performing in a State Opera production this month. By day she runs a cake making business and by night an opera singer. Photo Naomi Jellicoe

HER days are filled with recipes and ingredients, while her nights are shaped by music and the stage.

Teresa LaRocca would not want it any other way.

The St Clair soprano, who runs a cake-making business with her sister while moonlighting as an opera singer, will feature in this month’s State Opera SA production of Cavalleria Rusticana.

LaRocca plays Mamma Lucia, a character she describes as the “moral compass of the village”.

“She’s the mother of Turiddu, who is not the nicest character, but being an Italian mother she loves him and turns a bit of a blind eye to what he does,” she says.

Loving life is the talented Teresa La Rocca. Picture: Naomi Jellicoe

Cavalleria Rusticana is part of a double bill at the Festival Theatre along with I Pagliacci – two fiery tales of lust and betrayal featuring Italian tradition, passion, heartbreak and rustic justice.

LaRocca, a first generation Italian-Australian, is quick to point out that while singing is her main focus, baking cakes for family and friends is not far behind.

“I saw all the baking shows that are now on TV and thought ‘Hey, I could do that’,” she says.

However, LaRocca’s opera commitments don’t get in the way of baking during the day – and, in line with the stage maxim, the show must always go on.

“We start making the cakes midweek and then Fridays and Saturdays are very busy,” she says.

“When I have performance and rehearsals on we just have to work around it. The show doesn’t stop.

“I’m lucky to have my sister as she picks up a lot of the slack when that happens.”

The opera is also a family affair, with LaRocca’s mother, Angela, playing the part of a nonna (a grandmother).

Cavelleria Rusticana and I Pagliacci are presented by State Opera SA, on Tuesday, April 18, Thursday, April 20 and Saturday, April 22 at the Festival Theatre. Bookings: www.bass.net.au or 131 246.