Valley Keyboards
Haleigh Arden O’Neill in Concert
FREE Admission
Saturday, April 12, 2025
3:00 p.m.
Valley Keyboards
(956) 686-4863
Miller Recital Hall
900 Harvey - McAllen, TX
Haleigh Arden O’Neill
Haleigh’s musical journey commenced in August 2020 during the Covid-19 lockdown. She had her inaugural piano lesson in May 2021. At only 11 years old, Haleigh composed and performed her first piano sonata in the Summer of 2022 at Texas A&M University Kingsville. She then composed her first piano concerto with orchestration in the Summer of 2023, followed by a performance with the Corpus Christi Chamber Orchestra at Del Mar College directed by Mr. Todd Ehle. On February 16, 2025, Mr. Ehle and his orchestra premiered another of Haleigh’s compositions called “The Strings of Del Mar”.
Haleigh, a member of the Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra, also composed one of the symphony pieces performed during the Spring 2024 concert. The Corpus Christi Area Youth Orchestra will premiere another of Haleigh’s compositions, “Beautifully Triumphant” during this year’s Spring Concert on May 4, 2025. To date, Haleigh has composed 35 plus works to include symphonies, piano concertos, solo piano pieces, as well as chamber music for smaller ensembles.
Haleigh recently had the distinction of having two of her original Bassoon and Cello Duets performed at the Fall 2024 SoundWaves Festival at Texas A&M Corpus Christi. Taking the stage 40 times since her first performance in November of 2021, Haleigh’s musical career continues to blossom. Having been selected to perform at an exclusive international chamber music festival in Kaufbeuren, Germany in January 2024, Haleigh has now graced the international stage, a mere 140 miles from Mozart’s birthplace. Her three performances in Germany included original compositions, as well as pieces by Beethoven, Mozart, and Chopin. Haleigh received a second invitation to not only perform again in Kaufbeuren, Germany in January 2025, but also to compose and perform a piano quintet during the festival. The performance of Haleigh’s piano quintet, “The Wicked and the Beautiful” was so well received, an encore performance was scheduled for the following evening.
Haleigh is currently studying piano under Dr. Joachim Reinhuber at Texas A&M University Kingsville and composition with Dr. James Wilding, a professor at The University of Akron in Ohio.
The Program
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Pour Le Piano (Prelude) Claude Debussy
(1862–1918)
The Prelude from Debussy’s suite “Pour Le Piano,” composed in 1894, reflects his unique harmonic innovations and impressionistic style. This movement, with its lively and evocative nature, demands great technical skill and expressive playing.
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Impromptu No. 4 in E-flat Major Franz Schubert
(1797–1828)
Written in 1827, this impromptu is a beautiful example of Schubert’s melodic gift and harmonic sophistication. Its lyrical themes and intricate, virtuosic passages showcase the performer’s technical prowess and emotional depth.
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Invention No. 4 in D minor Johann Sebastian Bach
(1685–1750)
Part of Bach’s “Inventions and Sinfonias,” this piece is a two-part invention that showcases Bach’s contrapuntal prowess. It requires precise control and mastery of intricate melodic lines and harmonies, demonstrating the performer’s skill in polyphonic texture.
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32 Variations in C minor Ludwig van Beethoven
(1770–1827)
Composed in 1806, this set of variations is a testament to Beethoven’s genius in transforming a simple theme into a complex and diverse set of variations. Each variation explores different aspects of the theme, with demanding dynamics, rhythms, and textures that highlight the performer’s virtuosity.
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Nocturne in E minor Frédéric Chopin
(1810–1849)
This nocturne, published posthumously in 1855, is an exquisite example of Chopin’s ability to create deeply expressive and lyrical music for the piano. The piece features a hauntingly beautiful melody and rich harmonic accompaniment, requiring nuanced phrasing and technical dexterity.
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Sonata No. 5 in G Major, Movement 1 Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
(1756–1791)
The first movement of this sonata, composed in 1775, is a delightful example of Mozart’s classical style. It features a bright and cheerful theme, with playful contrasts and elegant phrasing, demanding precision and agility from the performer.
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Smuggler Robert Schumann
(1810–1856)
This piece, also known as “Der Kontrabandiste,” is part of Schumann’s “Album for the Young,” Op. 68. It captures the adventurous and whimsical spirit of a smuggler, with vivid musical imagery and dynamic contrasts that challenge the performer’s expressiveness and technical skill.
Intermission
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Lost at Sea Haleigh Arden O’Neill
(b. 2010)
Composed at the age of 12, Haleigh Arden O’Neill’s “Lost at Sea” is a poignant reflection on finding peace in the face of adversity. Inspired by the passing of her grandmother, Haleigh explores the themes of beauty and tranquility amidst life’s storms. The piece tells the story of an unknown person whose boat is wrecked by a storm. As the calm after the storm reveals serene waters and beautiful skies, the individual finds solace before gently letting go and drifting beneath the waves.
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Dance of the Midnight Fireflies Haleigh Arden O’Neill
(b. 2010)
Composed at the age of 12, Haleigh Arden O’Neill’s “Dance of the Midnight Fireflies” is inspired by her first encounter with fireflies during a camping trip with her parents. The piece beautifully captures the flickering light of fireflies at dusk and their graceful ascent into the treetops. Haleigh reflects the enchanting, ancient dance of these luminous insects through a captivating rhythmic interplay, capturing their mesmerizing movements and the magic of their twilight ballet.
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Slow Blues Haleigh Arden O’Neill
(b. 2010)
Composed at the age of 10, “Slow Blues” is one of Haleigh Arden O’Neill’s earliest pieces. Despite its simple theme, Haleigh evokes deep emotion, making the piano seem to cry as she plays. This piece demonstrates her innate connection to the blues, with rich textures and dynamic contrasts that belie her years.
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Bumble Boogie Jack Fina
(1913–1970)
This jazz-infused arrangement of Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s “Flight of the Bumblebee” transforms the classical piece into a lively boogie-woogie style. The rapid tempo and intricate runs demand incredible virtuosity from the performer, showcasing technical prowess and dexterity.
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Piano Concerto in A minor, Opus 16, Movement 1 (arranged for 2 pianos) Edvard Grieg
(1843–1907)
This movement of Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor, arranged for two pianos, will feature the esteemed special guest pianist, Kevin Koehler. Known for its dramatic themes and vibrant orchestration, this iconic work requires exceptional virtuosity and expressive depth, offering a stunning climax to the concert.