Concert Pianist Natalia Strelchenko Found Dead, Man Charged With Her Murder

She was found dead on Sunday at her Manchester home after suffering neck and head injuries. UPDATE: Double bass player John Martin has been charged with her murder.

Natalia Strelchenko, a 38-year-old mother and concert pianist, was found dead at her home in Manchester after suffering neck and head injuries.

nataliastrelchenko.com

Greater Manchester police said that they were called to the scene in the Newton Heath area of the city in the early hours of Sunday morning after responding to reports that a woman had been assaulted.

Despite receiving treatment from paramedics, Strelchenko died of her injuries at the scene.

In a statement, detective superintendent Phil Reade from Greater Manchester police’s major incident team said: “This is a tragic incident in which a talented young lady has lost her life."

Double bassist John Martin, 48, was arrested at the scene on Sunday and has been charged with her murder, Greater Manchester police said. Martin, who is is reported to be Ms Strelchenko's partner, is also facing a charge for the attempted murder charge of a 17-year-old boy, understood to be Strelchenko’s son.

Martin, who remains in custody will appear before Manchester magistrates court on Wednesday.

Russian-born Strelchenko, who also performed under the name Natalia Strelle, became a world-renowned concert pianist after making her debut with the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra at the age of 12.

nataliastrelchenko.com

Strelchenko has performed numerous times at London's Wigmore Hall, and has also played at Carnegie Hall in New York. Since 2014 she had worked as an assistant professor at Conservatoire of Belfort de France.

In a statement, Strelchenko's family said: "Natalia was a talented, beautiful, much-loved mother, daughter, sister, and friend. She will be greatly missed."

Greater Manchester police said that they are doing everything they can to support her family. They added: "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."