LONDON — An international concert pianist has died after suffering head and neck injuries at her home in the British city of Manchester, police said Monday.
Officers launched a murder inquiry after finding 38-year-old pianist Natalia Strelle with "serious injuries" just after midnight on Sunday, according to Greater Manchester Police.
A 48-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in custody for questioning Monday, police said without identifying the suspect.
Strelle, who changed her name from Natalia Strelchenko, was a Norwegian pianist of Russian origin who gave recitals at New York's Carnegie Hall and London's prestigious Wigmore Hall, according to her website.
Officers were called to a house in the Newton Heath area of the city, which is 160 miles northwest of London, after receiving reports a woman had been assaulted.
First responders tried to save Strelle's life but she died a short time later.
"Natalia was a talented, beautiful, much loved mother, daughter, sister and friend," her family said in a statement. "She will be greatly missed."
Detective Superintendent Phil Reade condemned the "tragic incident in which a talented young lady has lost her life."
He said: "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."
