Popera stars of tomorrow

Rotorua “popera” singer Elizabeth Marvelly has been signed for a rumoured three albums by record giant EMI. The 18-year-old soprano is related to Sir Howard Morrison, and toured NZ with him and Dame Malvina Major last year. Marvelly’s is the second major international recording deal signed by a NZ artist this year. In July, North Shore singer Will Martin, 22, scored the most lucrative contract ever offered to a New Zealander: a five-album deal with the Universal Music Group worth nearly NZ $3 million. Like Marvelly, Martin is described as a popera or classical crossover act.