MANNY Vass was just six when a Fisher-Price toy changed his life.

His parents Nick and Sheila bought him a glockenspiel and he would play with it for hours on end.

They were astonished because neither of them had any musical experience or background.

Manny said: “It came quite naturally to me which is why my parents were so supportive of me starting piano lessons.”

So it was not long before the 24-year-old was tickling the ivories and the first song he learnt was Howard Blake’s Walking in the Air from The Snowman.

By 15, he had passed grade eight with distinction on the piano and was offered a place at the Royal Northern College of Music, completing his studies as a Leverhulme Scholar in 2011.

That led to a very strange night when he performed alongside The Manfreds and Lulu for the Prince and Princess of Monaco as part of the Variety Club Jubilee Ball.

Manny, who performs using his full name Emmanuel Vass, added: “It was very surreal performing for royalty and meeting Lulu.

“I had just graduated from the Royal Northern College of Music and the performance gave me a tantalising taste of what might lie ahead.

“It was a great honour and I hope to meet them again sometime. Lulu was good fun!”

A performance for Lord Levy and the Russian ambassador in Kensington Palace Gardens and recitals for the French ambassador in Salford Quays and the Filipino ambassador in London followed.

Manny was also part of a live BBC 6 Music broadcast as part of an ensemble headed by Jimi Goodwin from the band, Doves.

Now the piano teacher at Dawsons Music in Sankey Street is working with Classic FM to release his debut CD, From Bach To Bond, this month.

Manny, whose favourite 007 film is Goldfinger, said: “I have been making arrangements of popular songs on the piano since I was a boy.

“The piano is an incredibly versatile instrument, so despite the fact I'm classically trained, I've never liked limiting myself to one musical style.

“I first started playing songs by the Beatles, Lou Reed, Queen, David Bowie and that kind of era.

“I then progressed onto James Bond as a teenager because the theme tunes are so well known.”

The album comes after a recital tour, including a date at Warrington’s Holy Trinity Church.

He also made his London debut at three venues.

The Philippines-born pianist even managed and self-financed the tour while raising £1,500 for York Against Cancer, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital and Yorkshire Young Musicians.

Manny told Weekend that he was inspired to become a musician as a way to connect with people.

He added: “I absolutely love communicating with people and giving people something which they will enjoy and remember. Music exists to be enjoyed by everybody.”

- Manny’s next recital is at Walton Music Hall on Wednesday, November 27 at 7.45pm.

Tickets are £11 (including wine) and £5 for under 19 students.

For more information, visit waltonhallandgardens.com