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Draft:Tom Hillary - Conductor

Tom Hillary - Conductor

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Early Life and Education

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Tom Hillary, born in January 1997 in Bolton, North West England, is an English conductor, percussionist and producer who has garnered acclaim in both the video game and film music industries. Hillary was educated at Royal Northern College of Music, where he earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, specialising in orchestral percussion, timpani and world percussion. alongside his percussion studies at the RNCM, Hillary studied under the renowned conductor David Parry.

Early Career

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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 mentors. 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 musicians and with a few hesitant but exhilarating attempts, I found myself conducting small chamber arrangements of video game music, bringing a whole new dimension to the music I loved as a young boy."

He went on to continue his conducting studies with David Parry in London and later in Norfolk, exploring a broad and diverse repertory.

Significant Engagements and Collaborations

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Tom Hillary is celebrated for his contributions to orchestral music, particularly in video game music and orchestral-crossover performances. Crash Bandicoot composer Josh Mancell has described him as a "skilled and nuanced maestro." Known for his extensive and varied repertoire, Hillary has given numerous world premières and has a deep understanding of both video game and film music. He has conducted performances worldwide, from prestigious concert halls to unique international venues. Notable appearances include Birmingham Symphony Hall, the Eventim (Hammersmith) Apollo (where he became the youngest conductor to take the stage), Dubai Opera, the Museum of the Future (Dubai), and Saudi Arabia's Al-Rawan viewpoint. He is the founder and Artistic Director of The Manchester Video Game Orchestra and conducts for Senbla Events. He is also a principal conductor of The Country Orchestra (UK) and is on the conducting staff at the FAMES Project in North Macedonia, a renowned recording studio.

“It's amazing how those humble Spyro The Dragon tunes have inspired such expansions & extrapolations out in the world. Interesting that these riffs, created in extreme haste, have had such an effect. Proof that the best music is shot from the hip. Many thanks to Tom Hillary!”

— Stewart Copeland

“I’d like to give a huge shout out to conductor Tom Hillary for his huge efforts in preparing and performing some of my Total War music. An amazing job, Thank you for your dedication and perseverance!” — Jeff van Dyck

“Awesome Banjo-Kazooie medley, many thanks to Tom Hillary!” — Grant Kirkhope

"CTR: Crash Team Racing gets a very well-executed orchestral medley… Thanks must go to Tom Hillary and The Manchester Video Game Orchestra. I am truly impressed, humbled and honoured!” — Josh Mancell

Recent Activities

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Throughout his career, Hillary has collaborated with esteemed figures and diverse ensembles. His recent career highlights include conducting Senbla Events’ UK premiere of Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, featuring a live orchestra. Other notable engagements include performances at the Dubai Opera alongside Andrea Bocelli for a concert promoting his 2021 album Believe, and performing at Dubai's Museum of the Future during Expo 2020 for Emirati composer Ihab Darwish. He conducted the grand drone show Tales of the Volcano at the Alula Ancient Kingdoms Festival in Saudi Arabia, a performance that later won the award for “Best Drone Show Combined With Performing Arts & Historical Significance.”

In addition to his conducting work, Hillary is an accomplished percussionist, having performed with prominent ensembles like the Hallé, the Black Dyke Band, and the Brighouse and Rastrick Band - taking him to major venues such as The Royal Albert Hall, Bridgewater Hall, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall, KKL Lucerne, Glastonbury Pyramid Stage, and Stoller Hall.

Hillary’s collaborative spirit has led him to work with prominent figures in the music and entertainment industry, including Andrea Bocelli, Alexandra Burke, Nile Rodgers and several well-known video game composers like Stewart Copeland, Josh Mancell, Grant Kirkhope and Jeff van Dyck. These collaborations have broadened his impact across various musical genres.

Awards

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Tales of the Volcano at the Alula Ancient Kingdoms Festival in Saudi Arabia, winning the the award for “Best Drone Show Combined With Performing Arts & Historical Significance.”

References

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