Tom Hillary

Tom Hillary is a distinguished English conductor, percussionist, drummer and producer who has made a name for himself within the video game and film with orchestra world. Described by Crash Bandicoot composer Josh Mancell as a “skilled and nuanced maestro,” Hillary has a huge and varied repertoire. Renowned for his conducting of video game music, orchestral-crossover performances and his championing of rarely-heard compositions, he is equally at home with concert, symphonic, operatic, wind and brass band repertoire; and has given numerous world premières. He knows the video game and film music world like the back of his hand. His conducting of video game scores is celebrated and he is widely recognised for strong collaborations with great composers, directors and producers worldwide.

Hillary has conducted performances in prestigious concert halls, opera houses, and unique venues around the world. Highlights include the Birmingham Symphony Hall, Eventim (Hammersmith) Apollo—where he became the youngest conductor to ever take the stage—Dubai Opera House, the Museum of the Future (Dubai), Blackpool Winter Gardens, Halifax Minster, The Coro, RNCM Concert Hall, and the Al-Rawan viewpoint in Saudi Arabia. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Manchester Video Game Orchestra (UK) and regularly conducts for Senbla Events (UK). Hillary is also on the conducting staff at the renowned FAMES Project (MKD), one of the world’s busiest recording studios, serves as principal conductor of The Country Orchestra (UK) and is music director of the historic VBS (Poynton) Brass Band. His guest conducting engagements include appearances with The Arabian Philharmonic Orchestra (UAE/KSA) and The Paradox Orchestra (UK).

Hillary’s dedication lies in the seamless integration of various performance elements. He believes singing, the embodiment of physical expression are all supported expressively by the orchestra. He views the visual aspects and production concepts as integral to any performance, creating a cohesive and interdependent experience. For him, these components are inseparable, each enhancing and relying on the others to achieve a unified artistic expression. He is a fervent champion of breaking down the many inaccessibility barriers surrounding the orchestral world for those who may feel segregated from it.

Hillary has given numerous world premières and his most recent career highlights include touring London-based production company Senbla Events’ special screening of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, accompanied by a live orchestra; marking the first performance of this kind in the UK. Among his numerous international successes feature appearing with the Arabian Philharmonic at the Dubai Opera House in a concert starring Andrea Bocelli promoting his 2021 album, Believe. Performing at the opening ceremony of The Museum Of The Future and the EXPO 2020 festival in Dubai to celebrate the music of renowned Emirati composer Ihab Darwish, and conducting the orchestra at the oasis town of Khaybar, Saudi Arabia, in the 1500-piece drone show spectacular Tales of the Volcano featuring as part of the Alula Ancient Kingdoms Festival. This drone show later received the award “Best Drone Show Combined With Performing Arts & Historical Significance.”

He explains how he became a conductor "As a teenager, I spent my summers at Sherborne Summer School of Music, where I performed as a percussionist with both the symphony and wind orchestras. It was an inspiring environment, surrounded by talented musicians and passionate professionals. Philip Ellis, one of Great Britain’s most versatile and respected conductors (and percussionist in a previous life!), was leading rehearsals of Arnold Bax’s Third Symphony at the time, and his energy and insight were magnetic. One evening, after rehearsal, he approached me with an idea that would shape my future. 'I think you ought to be a conductor, find some music you truly love, gather a few friends, and give it a try.' His suggestion was so simple yet so impactful. I was both excited and apprehensive, but I took his advice to heart. Later that year I gathered a few fellow students and with a few hesitant but exhilarating attempts, I found myself conducting small, one to a part arrangements of video game music, which ultimately inspired the creation of the Manchester Video Game Orchestra.”

As a percussionist, Hillary has performed with prominent ensembles both in the UK and internationally, and has won numerous awards. These include the Hallé Orchestra, the Black Dyke Band, and the Brighouse and Rastrick Band. His performances have graced prestigious venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, KKL Lucerne, Glastonbury Pyramid Stage, and Stoller Hall.

Throughout his career, he has collaborated with notable figures in the entertainment industry, including Alexandra Burke, Andrea Bocelli, Barry Gibb, Christian Lindberg, Colin Currie, Grant Kirkhope, Jade Helliwell, Jeremy McComb, Josh Mancell, Jeff van Dyck, Maggie Baugh, Nile Rodgers, Keiko Abe and Zoe Lyons. Hillary's extensive experience and versatile talent have firmly established him as a respected figure in the world of music. His contributions continue to enrich the musical landscape, earning him acclaim and admiration from peers and audiences alike.

Hillary was born in Bolton, North West England in January, 1997. He attended St Joseph’s RC High School and further honed his skills at the Centre of Excellence for Performing Arts; Pendleton Sixth Form. He is an alumnus of the Royal Northern College of Music (RNCM), earning both his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees there, and specialising in orchestral percussion, timpani and world percussion. During his six years at the RNCM he studied under the baton of inspirational champion of operatic, concert and symphonic repertoire, David Parry.