Newly formed Terra Trio finds resonance in returning to their first love of playing music: for joy. These three women have each traveled diverse and interesting musical paths, and have found new life-giving energy in their respective pursuits by melding their voices together. Their soulful and sincere interpretations of the repertoire will inspire and revive audiences, while bringing a breath of fresh air to the environments in which they release their sound. These amazing artists share a love and passion for bringing communities together through music.Terra Trio is Grace Liu, Jean Hatmaker, and Heather Peterson.

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Grace Liu

Grace is a Chicago-based violinist who currently serves as Assistant Concertmaster of the Lakeview Orchestra. Grace studied violin performance with Carolyn Huebl at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music (and also earned a B.A. in Human & Organizational Development). She has participated in the Philadelphia International Music Festival and Madeline Island Chamber Music Festival and performed with the York River Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Wind Symphony, Timbr(e) Ensemble, and Bay Youth Orchestras of Virginia. She has taught music and facilitated community engagement through private lessons and with organizations including PING!, Chicago West Community Music Center, The Field School, Hampton Roads Chamber Players, and The Memory Center for those with Alzheimer’s and dementia. In addition to her musical endeavors, Grace currently serves as Head of Advancement at The Field School, a diverse, classical, Christian school located in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago.

Jean Hatmaker

Known for her soulful, expressive playing style, Jean Hatmaker is one of the most versatile and sought-after cellists in the Chicago area with a diverse portfolio of solo and collaborative projects, including several chamber ensembles and regional orchestras across the Midwest. Jean is a founding member of Chicago-based Kontras Quartet, a beloved ensemble known for its well-crafted performances, diverse programming, and accessible audience relations. She appears regularly on the Bach Cantata Vespers Series in River Forest, IL, is principal cellist with the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra, and is a rostered member of Kalamazoo Symphony, Madison Symphony, and the Chicago Philharmonic.One of Jean’s main aspirations as a musician is to use music to connect with people; she inspires future generations of musicians as a teacher at Grace Lutheran School of River Forest, as well as at her private studio in her home in Oak Park. She was faculty at Elmhurst University from 2013-2023 and frequently teaches as a guest clinician at schools all across the country. Jean received both Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in Cello Performance from Indiana University, where she studied with Helga Winold and Janos Starker, and plays a modern cello by Lawrence Wilke, using Hill, Bearden, and Arcus bows.jeanhatmaker.com // follow on Instagram: @cellogenie84

Heather Peterson

Heather Peterson is an accomplished classical pianist who masterfully blends the highest level of technique with a fundamental expression of humanity, bringing profound depth, peace, and maturity to her performances. She has performed hundreds of solo classical piano concerts, with audiences ranging from intimate living-room settings to collegiate and church settings, to chamber and orchestral collaborations. In 2024 alone Heather programmed and performed 7 local solo concerts and two additional recordings. A founding member of the new Terra Trio, Heather has also found a new medium with which to create, and has already begun programming local chamber concerts for the 2024/25 season. She currently holds a professional accompanist position at Moody Bible Institute and freelances as an accompanist often within both Oak Park school districts. Her other musical outlets include directing two church choirs and serving regularly as a church musician. Whether creating intimate salons or formal recitals, Heather is always looking for ways to bring her community together in harmony around organic music. She holds a Master's degree in Piano Performance from the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music and a Bachelor's Degree in Piano from Northern Illinois University.heatherthomaspeterson.com