Tom

Tom Hillary is a distinguished English conductor, percussionist 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. His conducting of video game scores is celebrated and he is known for strong collaborations with great composers, directors and producers worldwide. Hillary has conducted performances in major concert halls, opera houses, and diverse venues worldwide. Notable locations include Birmingham Symphony Hall, Eventim (Hammersmith) Apollo in London, Dubai Opera House, 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), appears as conductor with Senbla Events and is principal conductor of The Country Orchestra (UK). His guest conducting engagements have included appearances with The Arabian Philharmonic Orchestra (UAE) and The Paradox Orchestra. 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 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.” As a percussionist, Hillary has performed with prominent ensembles both in the UK and internationally. 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 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.