Founded in 1945 at the initiative of the British military government in Hamburg, the NDR Elbphilharmonie Orchestra (originally named the "Symphony Orchestra of the North-West German Radio", later - after the division of the radio stations in 1956 - as the "NDR Symphony Orchestra") laid the foundations for a new beginning of the music scene in postwar northern Germany. Thanks to its early international tours, the orchestra soon became an indispensable presence on the global concert stage. Its artistic milestones are closely linked to the names of its influential Principal Conductors. The first, Hans Schmidt-Isserstedt, provided continuity for over 25 years and fundamentally shaped the unmistakable character of the ensemble. Since 2019, Alan Gilbert has held the position of Principal Conductor. Under his guidance, the orchestra has launched a diverse and innovative expansion of its programme once again. Musical events ranging from symphony to chamber, club and one-hour concerts to festivals lasting several days, with works of all genres from Baroque to contemporary, will shape the Orchestra's season. As an internationally renowned orchestra, it tours regularly across Europe, North and South America and Asia.