 In 2006, the current Staatskapelle Halle was formed from the merger of the "Philharmonischen Staatsorchesters" with the Handel Festival Orchestra.Karl-Heinz Steffens was the first "Generalmusikdirektor" of the orchestra under its present name, from 2008 to 2013.Josep Caballé Domenech was the next chief conductor, from 2013 to 2018.