was named the HPO's music director. The orchestra gave its first performance under her direction in February 2016. New is the first female music director of the HPO. Her most recent contract extension with the HPO is through the 2023-2024 season. Music directors Jan Wolanek (1949-1958) Leonard Pearlman, Bryden Thomson (1958-1959) Victor Di Bello (1958-1962) Lee Hepner (1962-1969) Boris Brott (1969-1990) Victor Feldbrill (1990-1996) James Sommerville (2007–2015) Gemma New (2015–present) See also List of symphony orchestras Canadian classical music References External links Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra Canadian orchestras Musical groups from Hamilton, Ontario Organizations based in Hamilton, Ontario Musical groups established in 1949 1949 establishments in Ontario