Six Variations on Jolly Old St. Nicholas, Opus 6 - Nick Ballen - Haley Myles

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As a Young Steinway Artist, Haley maintains an international performance schedule. Her appearances to-date include recitals in the United States, France, Germany, Austria, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. She has participated extensively in various high-profile international music festivals, both domestic and foreign. She is also a laureate of seven international competitions.

Haley holds certifications from distinguished institutions including the Mozarteum (Austria), Imola Piano Academy (Italy), and Freiburg International Piano Academy (Germany). She achieved a Bachelor in Piano Performance at the University of Arkansas in 2016 where she was a recipient of the Stella Boyle Smith scholarship. Haley also holds a Master in Piano Performance (with first-class honours) from the London College of Music, where she received the Mona Blackman scholarship. In 2019, Haley received a postgraduate diploma from Trinity Laban Conservatoire as a Cross Funds Scholar.

She is most proud of her extra-curricular activities, involving continued work with individuals on the autism spectrum. Having authored a United Nations honoured book dedicated to helping children with autism, the cause remains a constant passion visible in her everyday life.

[lluisrafalessole-classical]

This is very beautiful performance Haley 🎹🎶👏😘

[jimkesselman]

So good, Haley as always! 🙌❤️. Perfect way to kick off the Christmas holiday spirit in all! The arrangement is a great one as well starting off lightly with its soft major, transitioning to minor chords. Then the different sections of the piece all take a turn to compliment the theme to make it complete! 🙌❤️👍🎹🌈

[r.b.ratieta]

Very wholesome collection of variations. I initially thought of them as viewing Christmas from a child's perspective, then the low notes kicked in on the third one and the narrative shifted slightly. Here's what I imagined.

First two variations: Children in the home waking up on Christmas Eve. House is decorated in full Christmas regalia. Snowy but sunny outside. Kids are happy to play.

Third variation (low notes): Wife says, "You picked up [that one thing] last night, right?" Husband: *Panic. Forgotten. Realizes stores will be packed. Smiles nervously and admits he forgot.* Wife: "Well hurry up! The stores close at 2:00 today!" "Yes, dear. I'll be back."

Fourth variation: Husband has 'This is fine' house on fire meme face as he weaves through last minute holiday traffic and tries to find a parking spot. He finally finds one far away, walks long distance into store, store is packed, lines are long.

Fifth variation: "Attention. The store will be closing in fifteen minutes. All purchases must be brought to the front of the store." Husband scrambles like a football player trying to find the 'thing'.

Sixth variation: Mission accomplished. All is well. Everything is back to normal. The family can enjoy Christmas as they planned.

Silly, I know. But props to Nick Ballen for these variations. Offers variety. Nice little renditions to play randomly in a holiday environment.

Nice job by the pianist as well. Nicely played, as always.

Good little happy holiday piece(s).