Merida Trio

July 22, 2026, 12:15 pm

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From left to right Jean Hatmaker with cello on her lap, Katherine Peterson, and Charlene Kluegel holding violin
Merida Trio (Photo courtesy of artists)

The Merida Trio (Charlene Kluegel, violin; Jean Hatmaker, cello; Katherine Petersen, piano) performs live from the Seventeenth Church of Christ, Scientist, Chicago.

Brought together by friendship, a shared passion for artistic integrity, and determination to fuse tradition with modern values, Merida Trio combines the bold and dynamic voices of three of Chicago’s finest chamber musicians. Combining 42 years of collective chamber music experience with groups including Fifth House Ensemble, Duo FAE, and Kontras Quartet, Katherine, Charlene and Jean have joined forces to explore the potential of their collaborative energy. With a particular interest in championing music by female composers, they infuse every performance with their celebrated craftsmanship and dramatic flair. Coming off of the success of their debut recital in the fall of 2024, Merida Trio is on track to be a cherished gem in the Chicago chamber music scene with several highly anticipated appearances scheduled for the coming season.

Playlist

Jennifer Jolley: The Lives & Opinions of Literary Cats 

Johannes Brahms: Trio No. 1 in B major, Op. 8
I. Allegro con brio
II. Scherzo. Allegro molto
III. Adagio
IV. Finale. Allegro