The Estonian National Male Choir RAM was founded by the founder of Estonian choral music Gustav Ernesaks in 1944. Originally a male choir specializing in a cappella repertoire, it has grown into a world-renown professional performer of oratorial works. RAM has given more than 6000 concerts all over Estonia, in the former USSR, in Europe as well as in Israel, Canada and the USA. The Orchestra of the Estonian Defense Forces is a state ceremonial orchestra founded on February 1st, 1993, re-established with the Estonian Defense Forces after the country had regained it's independence.