Lester Senter Wilson was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and studied at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music in Ohio, the Mozarteum University in Salzberg, Austria and the Louisiana State University where she earned a Master of Arts in piano performance. Lester went on to the University of Texas, Austin, receiving dual Doctor of Musical Arts Degrees in both piano and voice – trailblazing as the first recipient of such a distinction.

Lester married Richard B. Wilson of Jackson, MS and continued her operatic career. In 1984, she became the executive director of the Nena Plant Wideman International Piano Competition, dedicating four decades to building it into a highly respected event for piano students worldwide. She guided competitors in every aspect of their careers – from stage presence to the business side of artistry – and often traveled with the gold medalists for their prize-winning engagements.

A driving force in Mississippi’s cultural scene, Lester served on the boards of Opera Mississippi and the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra bringing renowned musicians and productions to the state’s stages including Wideman Competition winners. Lester was recognized for her lifetime contribution to the arts by receiving the Mississippi Governor’s Award of Excellence in the Arts in 2001.

Above all, Lester’s greatest legacy is her unwavering dedication to sharing God’s gift of music. She leaves behind family, colleagues and countless students who will cherish her warmth, mentorship and incomparable talent. All who met Lester have at least one fond remembrance, humorous story or profound impact Lester added to their life.