As one of the first conductors to incorporate video game music into orchestral programs in the UK; Hillary has built a solid reputation as an exciting young conductor in the growing world of video game and film music concerts. Described by Crash Bandicoot composer Josh Mancell as a “skilled and nuanced maestro”, he has a large yet varied repertoire. Known internationally for conducting orchestral-crossover performances and his championing of rarely-heard compositions, Hillary is equally at home with symphonic, operatic, wind and brass band repertoire; and has given numerous world premières. His knowledge of video game and film OST’s is second to none. His work is widely celebrated, and he is often recognised for breathtaking collaborations with great composers, directors, orchestras and producers worldwide.
Hillary has led performances in prestigious concert halls, opera houses and various unique venues around the globe. Notable highlights include Birmingham Symphony Hall, Hammersmith (Eventim) Apollo—where he made history as the youngest conductor to take the stage—Dubai Opera, the Museum of the Future (Dubai), Blackpool Winter Gardens (Opera House), Halifax Minster, The Coro, RNCM Concert Hall, Buxton Opera House, and the Al-Rawan viewpoint in Saudi Arabia. He is the Founder and Artistic Director of The Manchester Video Game Orchestra (UK) and conducts film with orchestra performances with Senbla Events (UK). Hillary also serves on the conducting staff at the renowned FAMES Project (MKD), one of the world’s busiest film and video game recording studios. He is the Principal Conductor of The Country Orchestra (UK) and Music Director of the historic VBS (Poynton) Brass Band.
His guest conducting appearances include engagements with The Arabian Philharmonic Orchestra (UAE/KSA) and The Paradox Orchestra (UK). His 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 a special screening of Ron Howards’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas, accompanied by live orchestra; marking the first performance of this particular movie with orchestra in the UK. Among his numerous international successes feature conducting the Arabian Philharmonic Orchestra at Dubai Opera 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 alongside a 1500-piece drone show entitled Tales of the Volcano, Commissioned by The Royal Commision for Alula and part of the month-long Alula Ancient Kingdoms Festival. This spectacle later received the award “Best Drone Show Combined With Performing Arts & Historical Significance.”
He explains how he became a conductor "in my late teens 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 passionate musicians. Philip Ellis and Christopher Seaman, (both percussionists and timpanists in a previous life!), were taking rehearsals of Edward Elgar’s First Symphony and Arnold Bax’s Third Symphony, and their energy and insight were magnetic. One evening, after rehearsal, Ellis 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 simple and later that year I gathered a few fellow RNCM students and with a couple of 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.”
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with notable figures in the entertainment industry, including Alexandra Burke, Andrea Bocelli, Barry Gibb, Ben Nickless, Christian Lindberg, Cormac Byrne, Colin Currie, Grant Kirkhope, Hayley Jensen, Ihab Darwish, Jade Helliwell, Jeremy McComb, Josh Mancell, Jeff van Dyck, Matthew Faddy, Maggie Baugh, Michael Ray, Nile Rodgers, Stewart Copeland, Keiko Abe and Zoe Lyons.
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.
Hillary was born in Bolton, North West England in January, 1997. He attended St Joseph’s RC High School and further developed 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 he specialised in orchestral percussion, timpani and world percussion. He went on to study conducting in London with David Parry.
