Internationally-renowned percussion player Le ‘Leo’ Yu features in a new Marketing Manchester video revealing why the city is on the global stage for music, tourism and students.

Leo, 30, came to Manchester from his home city of Xi’an, China, after securing a full scholarship to study at the Royal Northern College of Music 12 years ago.

He chose to remain in Manchester after graduating and is now the RNCM’s International Tutor in Marimba – an instrument like a large wooden xylophone.

This month (July) Leo is leading the RNCM Percussion Ensemble on a tour of his native China – the first UK conservatoire percussion ensemble to tour the country.

The tour includes a date in Manchester’s twin city Wuhan, where the Leo and the ensemble will work with local musicians to create a piece of music representing Manchester and Wuhan.

Before heading off to China, Leo took Marketing Manchester on a video tour of the RNCM and Manchester, revealing why he loves the city, its culture and music venues, and why Manchester Airport means it’s a great place to be based as a musician who tours internationally.

Read more about Leo’s life story and music career on the China Daily website.