Acclaimed chamber musician Cynthia Steljes, one of the founders of the Canadian group Quartetto Gelato, has died of cancer at age 46.

Steljes, who had been diagnosed in June with a rare form of cancer related to asbestos exposure, died on Friday.

Chamber musician Cynthia Steljes, who co-founded Quartetto Gelato, died on Friday at age 46.

The Toronto-based Steljes, who played the oboe and English horn, performed as a soloist and chamber musician across North America, Europe and in the Middle East. She also taught at the Glenn Gould Professional School and was a guest artist with a variety of orchestras and musical groups.

Quartetto Gelato — originally comprising Steljes, her husband Peter De Sotto and fellow founders George Meanwell and Claudio Vena — emerged on the classical scene in the early 1990s and offered a fresh take by blending classical music and opera with other genres, including folk songs, gypsy music and tangos.

In 1996, the group won the prestigious debut artist of the year title from U.S. National Public Radio's influential classical radio show Performance Today.

Though the group's membership changed over the years, Quartetto Gelato released six albums, was featured in several television specials, toured in North America and Asia, and has been nominated for a host of prizes, including Juno and Gemini Awards.

A memorial service will be held for Steljes in Mississauga, Ont. on Thursday.