John Martin, 48, has been charged with the murder of Natalia Strelchenko, an international concert pianist who lived in Newton Heath.
Martin – assumed as the late Natalia Strelchenko’s partner – was also charged with the attempted murder of a boy under the age of 17. Both incidents took place on Sunday August 30.
Officers and paramedics discovered 38-year-old Natalia with serious head injuries after they were called to an address on Culcheth Lane at around 12.45am.
They attempted to revive her at the scene but she died shortly after.
In a statement released through Greater Manchester Police, Natalia’s family paid tribute to the ‘beautiful and talented’ musician.
They said: “Natalia was a talented, beautiful, much loved mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed.”
Natalia, who changed her surname to Strelle, had performed at some of the most distinguished venues in the world such as London’s Wigmore Hall, New York’s Carnegie Hall and the Franzosischer Dom in Berlin.
She was expected to play several concerts this year.
Martin is a concert double bass player and also performed at prestigious venues.
A post-mortem examination has confirmed that she died from head and neck injuries.
Detective Superintendent Phil Reade from GMP’s Major Incident Team 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.”
