Richard Lester (born January 19, 1932) is an American film director based in Britain. Lester is notable for his work with The Beatles in the 1960s and his work on the Superman film series in the 1980s.

Early years and television

Lester was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A child prodigy, he began studies at the University of Pennsylvania at the age of 15. He started in television in 1950, working as a stage hand, floor manager, assistant director and then director in less than a year, because no one else was around who knew how to do the work. In 1953, Lester moved to London and began work as a director in independent television, working for the legendary low cost television producers The Danziger Brothers on episodes of Mark Saber, a half-hour detective series.

A variety show he produced caught the eye of Peter Sellers, who enlisted Lester's help in translating The Goon Show to television as The Idiot Weekly, Price 2d. It was a hit, as were two follow-up shows, A Show Called Fred and Son of Fred. Lester recalls that A Show Called Fred was "broadcast live and that's why I went into film directing where you can do a second take!"

Richard Lester (born 1945) is an English harpsichordist, organist, fortepianist and musicologist.

Early life and education

Lester was born in Twickenham, Middlesex, the only son of Elsie Violet Evelyn and Sydney Arthur Lester, both of whom were amateur musicians. He attended Whitton Secondary School in Middlesex, and the London College of Music, where he graduated as a Fellow. He studied piano with Bernard Roberts, organ with David Lang, and harpsichord with George Malcolm.

Career

Lester made his London debut (sponsored by George Malcolm) in 1973 at London's Wigmore Hall and two years later, following a Purcell Room recital, he was described by the Daily Telegraph critic, David Money as "one of our leading players." Since then he has given harpsichord and organ recitals in the UK and abroad and performed on BBC Radio and television. Dame Janet Baker selected his recording of Scarlatti sonatas as her "favourite" on BBC Radio 4's Desert Island Discs in 1982. He has given master classes at Dartington Summer School, and was Director of music at the Mall School in Twickenham from 1986 – 1992 before taking up the position as head of music at Oakley Hall School in Cirencester, a town where he has lived with his wife, Jackie since 1989. As Master of the Choristers at Cirencester Parish Church in 1994, he directed courses there and at Bristol Cathedral for the Royal School of Church Music.

Richard C. Lester (born March 24, 1949 Wallingford, Berkshire) is a British rower who competed in the 1976 Summer Olympics.

He is the younger brother of Ken Lester.

In 1976 he was a crew member of the British boat which won the silver medal in the eights event.

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