KEY POINTS:
Singing grace at a primary school camp was the start of a career that has led to an international record deal for Rotorua singer Elizabeth Marvelly.
The "popera" singer has signed a recording contract with global record company EMI and looks set to follow in the footsteps of other young New Zealand music stars such as Hayley Westenra.
The 18-year-old soprano said the details of the contract were not yet finalised but she would be recording soon and might have an album out by the end of the year.
It will be launched in New Zealand first, then hopefully into Australia, the United Kingdom and Europe next year.
"I think the record deal will involve a lot of fun," she said.
The King's College boarding student described her style of music as "popera", a crossover genre that is a mixture of classical and pop music and increasing in popularity.
It's her preferred genre, something the album is likely to reflect.
Miss Marvelly's deal comes hot on the heels of Will Martin's deal with Universal.
Martin was once a barman in Taupo and his contract is estimated to be worth almost $3 million for five albums, the biggest to date for a New Zealand artist.
Neither Miss Marvelly nor her father, Brett Marvelly, would say what the EMI deal was worth but it is believed to involve three albums.
A keen songwriter, Miss Marvelly hopes some of her songs will be incorporated in her first album which will be "a real mixture".
"We're just in the process of deciding on repertoire."
She says she finds inspiration for her songs from the things going on around her.
"I particularly love being outside at home as it's really beautiful by the lake, which can be pretty inspiring."
Because the deal was with an international company, she said she would be spending the first half of next year in London.
Of Te Arawa descent, Miss Marvelly is related to Sir Howard Morrison.
She toured with him and Dame Malvina Major last year.
- Daily Post
