Series Leadership

Stephen Wirges
Executive Director

Owner of Steinway Piano Gallery Little Rock & Fayetteville, Stephen is a passionate supporter of chamber music and the Arkansas music community. His commitment to Close Up! reflects a longstanding dedication to fostering an environment where artists can collaborate, perform, and connect with audiences in an intimate setting. His belief in the piano as an essential voice in chamber music is reflected in his dedication to ensuring that a Steinway remains at the heart of Close Up! performances, both at the Gallery and at venues throughout Little Rock. His longstanding relationships with musicians and the broader music community contribute to the collaborative spirit at the heart of the series. As Executive Director, he provides the leadership, resources, and support that sustain the series and allow its artistic vision to grow.

A pianist and Professor of Piano at UA Little Rock, Naoki shapes the artistic vision and programming of Close Up!, bringing together musicians from across Arkansas and beyond. At the heart of his programming is the idea that each concert should have its own theme and identity, connecting repertoire and performers into a unified musical experience. Working closely with the series’ musicians and Co-Program Curator, he develops each concert from its initial concept through repertoire and program development, seeking connections that give it a clear artistic direction while preserving the collaborative spirit at the heart of chamber music. As Artistic Director and performer, he also places particular value on communication with the audience, using the intimate setting of Close Up! to create a closer connection between musicians, music, and listeners.

A pianist and former Professor of Piano at Chosun University in Korea, Jaeyeon has a broad background in solo and chamber music performance, artistic direction, and concert curation. Drawing on this background, she brings experience leading ensemble projects from artistic planning through funding and production. She works closely with the Artistic Director to research and explore repertoire, bring renewed attention to deserving works, and identify connections across musical traditions and periods. Her curatorial approach considers both the historical and artistic value of the repertoire and its relevance to today’s audiences and community, shaping each program into a cohesive musical experience with its own distinct identity.