Tom Hillary Conductor
TOM HILLARY is an award-winning conductor and one of the first in the UK to bring video game music to the orchestral stage. Known for his dynamic presence and artistic vision, he is now recognised as one of the leading figures in the world of video game and film music concerts. Described by Crash Bandicoot composer Josh Mancell as a “skilled and nuanced maestro,” he commands a versatile and wide-ranging repertoire.
Internationally in demand, Hillary leads orchestral crossover projects and is a dedicated advocate for rarely performed works. Equally at home in the symphonic, operatic, and brass band traditions, he has conducted numerous world premieres. His expertise in video game and film scores is considered unmatched.
He has conducted in renowned concert halls and opera houses around the world, including the Birmingham Symphony Hall, Hammersmith Apollo, Dubai Opera, Museum of the Future, Blackpool Winter Gardens, Buxton Opera House, and the Al-Rawan viewpoint in Saudi Arabia. He is the founder and Artistic Director of the Manchester Video Game Orchestra, conducts “film with orchestra” productions for Senbla Events (UK), and is a member of the conducting team at the FAMES Project (North Macedonia). He also serves as Principal Conductor of the Country Orchestra (UK).
Hillary’s artistic approach is rooted in the seamless integration of music, visual design, and stagecraft. For him, visual elements and musical production are inseparable—essential components that shape a cohesive and immersive performance. This is reflected in his live concert premieres of works such as Crash Bandicoot, Jak and Daxter, The Elder Scrolls, RuneScape, Total War, Crysis, and Stronghold 2. One of his recent highlights was conducting the UK premiere of James Horner’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas as a live film concert.
Major international milestones in his career include a concert with Andrea Bocelli at the Dubai Opera (2021), conducting for the opening of the Museum of the Future and for EXPO 2020 (held in 2022), performing music by Emirati composer Ihab Darwish. In 2023, he conducted Tales of the Volcano in Khaybar, Saudi Arabia—a spectacular live production combining orchestral music with a 1,500-drone light show.
Hillary discovered conducting during his time as a percussionist at the Sherborne Summer School of Music. Inspired by conductors such as Rodolfo Saglimbeni and Philip Ellis, he went on to found the Manchester Video Game Orchestra with fellow students.
He has collaborated with artists including Andrea Bocelli, Barry Gibb, Nile Rodgers, Stewart Copeland, Josh Mancell, Colin Currie, and Alexandra Burke. As a percussionist, he has performed with renowned ensembles such as the Hallé Orchestra, the Black Dyke Band, and the Brighouse and Rastrick Band.
His discography includes the original soundtrack for Star Wars: The Last Padawan II, collaborations with Erhu virtuoso Elliot Tordo, and a number of live albums featuring orchestral interpretations of music from Final Fantasy, The Legend of Zelda, Halo, Sonic, Medal of Honor, and Fortnite.
A passionate music educator, Hillary has led music departments at several educational institutions and initiated a number of outreach programmes. He holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in music from the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester, where he specialised in orchestral percussion, timpani, and world percussion. He later studied conducting in London with David Parry, eventually serving as his assistant on a variety of projects.
From the Press
About the Conductor
“Through the Manchester Video Game Orchestra, Tom Hillary has redefined what an orchestra can be. His work makes a clear statement: orchestral music is for everyone!”
Manchester Evening news
“It’s amazing how those humble Spyro tunes have sparked such wide-reaching expansions and reinterpretations out in the world. What began as music created in the heat of the moment—conceived under immense pressure from my client - Insomniac Games, and in extreme haste—has gone on to leave a lasting impact. Proof, perhaps, that some of the best music is shot straight from the hip. My gratitude to conductor Tom Hillary for his outstanding interpretations, reimagining my music in new and powerful ways.”
Stewart Copeland
“Brought to life with remarkable artistry - A huge thank you to conductor Tom Hillary for his incredible work in preparing and performing my Rome: Total War™ and Medieval II: Total War™ soundtrack with live orchestra. Totally outstanding—your dedication and perseverance made all the difference!”
Jeff van Dyck
“Arrangements of my music that have received my full endorsement - Crash Bandicoot and Crash Team Racing! Two brilliantly executed orchestral medleys! My deepest gratitude goes to skilled and nuanced maestro, Tom Hillary — I am truly impressed, humbled, and honoured!”
Josh Mancell
“An extraordinary Banjo-Kazooie medley, made possible thanks to the brilliant work of The Manchester Video Game Orchestra and conductor Tom Hillary!”
Grant Kirkhope