 After World War II and the end of the Nazi regime, Hermann Abendroth became "Generalmusikdirektor" (GMD) and chief conductor of the ensemble, serving from 1945 to 1956.Successive GMD's of the ensemble have included Gerhard Pflüger (1957–1973), Lothar Seyfarth (1973–1979), Rolf Reuter (1979–1980), Peter Gülke (1981–1982), Hans-Peter Frank (1988–1996), George Alexander Albrecht (1996–2002), Jac van Steen (2002–2005) and Carl St.Clair (2005–2008).Oleg Caetani was principal guest conductor of the ensemble from 1984 to 1987.