Album Notes

This Christmas CD is a celebration of family in that nearly all of the musicians are from one family! Concert pianist Noel Lester is joined by his wife, violinist and violist RoseAnn Markow Lester, his 21-year-old daughter, soprano, Marie Lester, and his son, 17-year-old guitarist and drummer David Lester, to perform a number of holday favorites. Several are arranged especially for the Lesters for this CD. They are even joined by Lester's father, as the Grandfather reading a story to young children on Christmas Eve. The art was designed by Lester's brother, Charlie, a graphic artist based in Los Angeles. In addition, his colleague Mary Beth Pearce, a pianist who teaches with him at Hood College, joins him on the piano duets. It is a joyous and uplifting celebration of family and Christmas.

Visit Noel Lester's website at www.hood.edu/academic/music/noel

"Armed only with his piano, Dr. Lester can whip out a lot of holiday sound. But this year he brought his whole family! The Lesters concoct a family treat richer than eggnog and more beautiful than the perfect poinsettias. This is an extremely ambitious holiday offering. It features a number of excellent, yet seldom heard works, while at the same time being among the most accessible CDs I have heard in many years. I recommend this CD for all listeners." Richard Banks, www.christmasreviews.com

(to read the entire review, go to christmasreviews.com)

"Virtuoso pianist Noel Lester and clan constitute Frederick's First Family of classical music. This musical power group recently came together...as consummate musical professionals to create Lester's third compact disc for the Christmas season, "A Family Christmas with the Lesters," on RWYA Recordings. Lester, who is a master at creating unusual and diverting programs, collected repertoire for this album that would recreate the experience of a nineteenth-century family concert on Christmas Eve. The selections are not meant for studious listening as much as to present an echo of Christmas past, in which families gathered around the parlor piano for some devotional music making." Jan Holly, The Gazette (MD)

"beautiful classical music presented by a truly talented family. This generous album...covers considerable ground and everything is played with passion, elegance and style. Favorite tracks...include the exotic, introspective "I Wonder As I Wander" with its intensely lovely violin/piano dialogue periodically yielding to Marie Lester's sweet soprano. 'A Family Christmas With the Lesters'is a first-rate family experience." Carol Swanson, www.christmasreviews.com (to read the entire review, go to the website)

"Noel Lester's third holiday CD favors classical music. Family members really do sing and play on this disc, reminding me of those 19th century music rooms in historic mansions where you can easily imagine family gathered around the piano to make music rather than just hear it." Gerry Grzyb, The Appleton (WI) Post-Crescent.