The Hamburg Symphony Orchestra gave its first concert on 16 October 1957 under the direction of its first chief conductor, Robert Heger.
His successors included Heribert Beissel, who has held the longest tenure as chief conductor to date from 1972–1986, Carlos Kalmar (1987–1991), Miguel Gómez-Martinez (1992–1999), and Yoav Talmi (2000–2004).
[2][3] In February 2014, the orchestra announced the extension of Tate's contract as chief conductor through 2019.
[5] In February 2018, the orchestra announced the appointment of Sylvain Cambreling as its next chief conductor, effective with the 2018–2019 season.
[8] Recordings with the Hamburg Symphony Orchestra have appeared on Dabringshaus und Grimm, edel classics and Deutsche Grammophon (Deutscher Schallplattenpreis ECHO Klassik).