The tragedy of Natalia Strelchenko: Husband arrested after pianist beaten to death

Natalia Strelchenko died after suffering multiple head injuries in an assault at her home. Photo / Supplied

A world-renowned pianist is believed to have been murdered by her husband in a domestic incident.

Natalia Strelchenko, 38, was found at the family home in Manchester in the early hours of Sunday morning with multiple head and neck injuries.

One report suggested she had gone from door-to-door for help.

Her husband, John Martin, 48, a double bass player who also acted as her manager, was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody. The family home in Newton Heath, Manchester, was sealed off and forensics experts spent all day working there yesterday.

The couple moved to Britain when her son, Leo Strelle, a talented violinist won a scholarship place at the Chetham School of Music in 2009 aged eight.

The family had often played together, using their combined initials to call themselves Trio Lenajo.

Ms Strelchenko, who was also known as Natalia Strelle, was born in Russia but spent much of her life in her husband's native Norway. Her family said in a statement: "Natalia was a talented, beautiful, much loved mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed."

A post mortem examination found that she died as a result of multiple head and neck injuries.

Ms Strelchenko performed her first concert aged just 12 with the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra.

She went on to play at some of the world's most revered concert halls, including Wigmore Hall in London, Carnegie Hall in New York and the Franzosische Dom in Berlin.

This year, she had already performed 17 concerts worldwide and was next due to perform a Mozart Concerto with the Minsk Chamber Orchestra in Oslo.

Neighbours said the family were not often at home because they were regularly on tour. They were often abroad with Leo as he entered international competitions.

Claire Parmley, 35, said: "I heard her screaming in the early hours of the morning so went outside to see what was going on. It must have been pretty loud because we heard it from down the road."

Det Supt Phil Reade, from Greater Manchester Police, said: "This is a tragic incident in which a talented young lady has lost her life.

"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."