Rising star joins NZSO for heartland North Island tour

The New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and one of the country’s most popular young cross-over artists are joining forces for a heartland North Island tour in April.

21-year-old rising star Elizabeth Marvelly will present The Home Tour, a magical evening for lovers of light classical and cross-over pop in the style of Paul Potts and Susan Boyle.

Proudly supported by NZ House & Garden, the tour will visit Wellington, Rotorua, Auckland, New Plymouth and Wanganui from 13-20 April.

Many of the songs are arranged by celebrity pianist, arranger and producer Carl Doy, who will lead the orchestra and play piano accompaniment.

The programme includes well-loved classics Ave Maria and Gershwin’s Summertime, as well as reinterpreted home-grown hits Don’t Dream It’s Over and Welcome Home. Marvelly will also sing inspiring renditions of traditional Maori songs E Papa and Tarakihi, as well as paying tribute to her mentor, the late Sir Howard Morrison, with How Great Thou Art (Whakaaria Mai).

Elizabeth Marvelly says The Home Tour celebrates her return after three years of international touring, including engagements world-over with “Britain’s Got Talent” sensation Paul Potts.

“The chance to sing many of my favourite songs with New Zealand’s national orchestra is just too good to miss. Each song has a special place in my heart, and I can’t wait to share them with the audience.”

The tour also reunites the singer with Carl Doy, who arranged her gold-selling 2007 debut album. Music Director of the smash hit TV show Dancing with the Stars, Doy is best-known internationally for his multi-platinum Piano by Candlelight series.

The Home Tour follows the successful release of Marvelly’s new album Home (EMI) which last month debuted at number six in the Album Chart. The album led Sunday Star Times reviewer Mike Alexander to declare her “a star in the making”.

Meanwhile, in the build-up to the tour, Marvelly and the NZSO will perform at the star-studded charity concert To Christchurch with Love in Auckland on April 2, with all proceeds going to the New Zealand Red Cross.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4xOlBkGxWiE