On August 31, the heart of Quito will beat with the rhythms of unity, compassion, and cultural celebration. In the morning, Rotary District 4400 will launch “Carrera CONEQTA” – a dynamic community gathering featuring a 10K run and 3K walk through downtown Quito, drawing thousands of participants in a shared expression of hope and solidarity. In the evening, Quito will resonate with a profound message of hope and harmony as internationally acclaimed Lithuanian soprano Jurate Svedaite joins forces with Maestro Diego Carneiro and his La Orquesta Joven del Ecuador (Youth Orchestra of Ecuador) for the “A Prayer For Peace” concert at the historic Monasterio de Santa Catalina. In a time when the world longs for unity and understanding, this concert aims to transcend borders and differences through the universal language of music. Supported by Rotary’s Opus for Peace initiative of peacebuilding through the arts, the event will gather audiences not only to enjoy an evening of exquisite artistry but also to reflect on music’s power to heal and unite.
A Day of Peace in Motion and Sound
This special day begins with the Carrera CONEQTA, Rotary Ecuador District 4400’s official 10K and 3K charity race. More than just a run, CONEQTA is a signature event designed to bring people together through sport while raising funds for impactful Rotary club projects across Ecuador. With thousands expected to participate, it’s a vivid expression of this year’s Rotary International theme: Unite For Good. Organized primarily by Rotary District 4400, with vital logistical support and benefits from sponsors such as UISEK (International University of Ecuador) and Kanpas, Carrera CONEQTA will transform downtown Quito into a moving mosaic of unity, health, and service. It is a celebration of shared values – of running and walking not just for fitness, but for fellowship, for purpose, and for peace.
This dynamic morning event sets the pace for a transformative day and the tone for the evening’s cultural centerpiece: the “Prayer For Peace” concert at 5pm local time /11pm London / 6pm NYC. Just as the morning brings movement and connection to the streets, the concert will move hearts and minds, inviting audiences to reflect, listen, and unite through the universal language of music. Together, these twin events form a powerful Rotary statement: that when people Unite For Good, lasting peace becomes possible.
Creativity Through Cultural Exchange
“A Prayer For Peace” is more than a concert – it is a cultural dialogue. With the La Orquesta Joven del Ecuador’s talented musicians sharing the stage with Jurate Svedaite’s world-class voice, the evening will feature works that speak to the resilience of the human spirit and the collective longing for peace. Interspersed among the inspiring voice and instruments will be readings from great champions of peace across the ages and across cultures – from philosophers and poets to humanitarians and visionaries. These readings are carefully chosen to complement the music, offering words that can touch the soul as profoundly as the reflective harmonies on stage.
Lasting Impact
The “Prayer For Peace” concert is designed not only as a moment of beauty but as a catalyst for hope. Proceeds and donations from the evening will support ongoing youth music programs, ensuring that future generations continue to have access to music education – a vital tool for personal growth, empathy, and peacebuilding. This concert also marks the debut of a number of instruments that were collected and donated by the Rotary Club of New London (Connecticut, USA), along with other clubs throughout District 7980 (Southern Connecticut) and elsewhere in the United States. A generous Rotarian’s personal donation made it possible to transport more than 250 of there instruments to the La Orquesta Joven del Ecuador in August, ensuring that these and other young musicians have the tools they need to grow, perform, and inspire.
Hope Through Action: The Spirit of Opus For Peace
The concert is part of a Rotarian-led global grassroots initiative, Opus For Peace, which uses the arts as a vehicle for healing and reconciliation. By giving young musicians of Ecuador a platform to shine alongside an artist of international stature, “A Prayer For Peace” becomes both a musical offering and a call to action – inviting communities to invest in peace through culture
