Concert pianist found killed in Britain

Screengrab from the webiste of Natalia Strelchenko.

LONDON, United Kingdom—An international concert pianist was found murdered at her home in Britain, police said on Monday.

Natalia Strelchenko, 38, died after suffering head and neck injuries in an attack in her home in the northwest city of Manchester.

Police said a 48-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Described as a Norwegian concert pianist of Russian origin, Strelchenko played at prestigious venues across the world including London’s Wigmore Hall, the Carnegie Hall in New York and Berlin’s Franzoesischer Dom.

“This is a tragic incident in which a talented young lady has lost her life,” said detective superintendent Phil Reade of the Greater Manchester Police.

“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.”

Strelchenko made her debut aged 12 with the St. Petersburg Symphony Orchestra, and her performances were well reviewed by critics.

A mother of small children, Strelchenko was due to play in concerns in Norway, France and Britain in the coming months, according to her website.