Raymond Lester attended the Royal Northern College of Music where he attained his undergraduate degree and a postgraduate diploma in performance. He studied with Nicholas Logie, Vicci Wardman and Chris Rowland whilst also taking part in many masterclasses and lesson with visiting professors and winning many prizes for chamber music or solo performances.

Since leaving college Raymond has pursued a busy and varied performing career playing with many of the countries leading symphony and chamber orchestras taking him as far as Tokyo and Santiago de Chile. He also performs widely as a chamber musician in many ensembles and string groups, playing in venues and festivals such as the Edinburgh, Three Choirs, Wigmore Hall and most recently with the Manchester-based group Psappha. He also worked for several years with the Society for the Promotion of New Music working with younger composers to help them hear their works performed.