Lester has been a member of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra since 1978. Before
that, he played two seasons with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra.
Chicago, Steve started his professional career playing with the Grant Park
Symphony, while attending Northwestern University. Before joining the Milwaukee
Symphony, he also played two seasons with the orchestra of the Lyric Opera of
A member of
the faculty at Roosevelt University for nineteen years, Lester enjoys an active
schedule of chamber and solo performances, as well as teaching. He also
currently serves as chairman of the Orchestra Members Committee.
enjoying traveling, either on his own or with the Orchestra, his hobbies and
nonprofessional activities include: reading history, trying to find time to
exercise, and traveling with his wife, Rachel, a
violinist in the Orchestra.