Police in Manchester have begun a murder investigation after an international concert pianist was found dying at her home.
Natalia Strelchenko, 38, the mother of young children, suffered multiple head injuries in the attack at Newton Heath, Manchester.
Police and paramedics were called at 12.45am yesterday and attempted to revive her but she died a short time later.
A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder, and was today still being held for questioning.
Ms Strelchenko, who performed under the name Natalia Strelle, had enjoyed a successful career as a solo pianist, having starred in her first concert aged 12 with the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra.
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Performing at venues including New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Wigmore Hall, she had a busy schedule lined up for the rest of the year, with performances in Norway, Belarus and France in her calendar.
She had been artist in residence at Leeds College of Art and a research fellow at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Oslo.
In 2007, she was glowingly reviewed in The Times: “The next time Natalia Strelchenko comes to town, be there. Even before this 30-year-old pianist from Norway plays a note she lights up your life. Where others approach their instrument as they might a mausoleum, Strelchenko runs toward it, sparkling in silver and black, eager for arms and fingers to cascade, crisscross and caress.”
She was married to John Martin, a double bass player who also acted as her manager.
Neighbours say she had been living in Manchester for around two years after moving from Norway but the family were often away from home on tour playing concerts, according to local reports.
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Today the family of the Ms Strelchenko, who was Russian in origin, paid tribute to her. In a statement they said: “Natalia was a talented, beautiful, much-loved mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed.”
A post-mortem examination has been carried out and found that Ms Strelchenko died from head and neck injuries.
Detective Superintendent Phil Reade, from Greater Manchester Police (GMP), said: “This is a tragic incident in which a talented young lady has lost her life.
“Natalia’s family, many of whom live outside the UK, are understandably beside themselves at their loss and we are doing everything we can at this time to support them.
“We are determined to find out exactly what has led to Natalia being taken from them in this way. We have a team of detectives investigating this murder and are asking for anyone with information that may assist our inquiries to please get in touch.”