Established in 1984 and 1987 respectively, through the initiative of the Cultural Council, the Orchestra and Chorus of the Comunidad de Madrid have enjoyed considerable success in various musical centres in Spain, doing much to promote music, until June 2000 under the direction of Miguel Groba, and continuing its work under the patronage of the Madrid Arts Council. The orchestra and chorus have participated in important musical festivals and events throughout Spain, appearing under the direction of the most distinguished conductors and with leading soloists. There have been recordings for national radio and television as well as for major record companies, including the opera Merlin by Albéniz for Decca. Since January 1998 the orchestra has served as the resident orchestra of the Teatro de La Zarzuela, where in 2000 it performed Debussy’s Le martyre de Saint Sébastien under Lorin Maazel. Since September 2000 Jordi Casas Bayer has served as chorus-master and José Ramón Encinar as principal conductor.