Quebec violinist Angele Dubeau is taking time off from performing because she has been diagnosed with breast cancer.

The 50-year-old Dubeau says “like many courageous ladies before me that were hit by this disease, I too will beat it. Cancer can be cured, especially if it is diagnosed early. Mine was.”

The founder of the all-female string ensemble La Pieta has cancelled all of her appearances while she undergoes treatment and recuperation. She and her Stradavarius violin expect to return to performing in September.