A commendable event was the Ecuadorian-Peruvian binational symphony concert, which was held on October 19 last year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Peace Agreements between the two countries. Emotive musical notes, which echoed in the powerful acoustics of the Compañía Church in the historic center of Quito, were performed by the National Symphony Orchestra of Ecuador.

Guillermo Lasso thanked Jamil Mahuado and Alberto Fujimori for starting the negotiations that made it possible to sign the peace agreement with Peru 25 years ago

The concert was held under the auspices of the Embassy of Peru, as well as the ministries of culture of both countries and their ministries of foreign affairs. The event was attended by Vice President Alfredo Borrero, Interior Minister Juan Zapata; the one for Energy, Fernando Santos Alvite; Peruvian Ambassador Eduardo Zeballos Valle and United States Ambassador Michael J. Fitzpatrick.

José Ayala Lasso: Peace has led to the rebirth of good history between Ecuador and Peru

The repertoire began with the two most famous works: El cóndor Pas, by the Peruvian Daniel Alomía Robles and Vasi de clay, by the Ecuadorian Gonzalo Benítez. Two pieces marked the musical rapprochement of both countries, and two pieces of music were inspired by the Andes massif that passes through the two territories. These songs were followed by a selection of Ecuadorian excerpts by Julio Jaramillo, performed by the Symphony under the direction of the Peruvian Fernando Valcárcel with emphasis on the first violin, Santy Abril from Cuenza. The famous Cinco centavitos, Azabache and Nuestrojura passages are included. On the Peruvian side, there was no shortage of La flor de la canela by Chabuca Granda and Rapsodia peruana, which contains fragments of the Peruvian national anthem. The repertoire reflected the most refined binationality.

A grateful reminder is in order… both politicians… ended the unnecessary and destructive conflict.

During the concert, it was inevitable to remember the creator of what was being celebrated on that occasion. On October 26, 1998, Presidents Jamil Mahuad and Alberto Fujimori signed peace. Ironically, Mr. Mahuad has been exiled to Boston for two decades, while Mr. Fujimori is in prison serving a 25-year sentence for excessive authoritarianism in the field of human rights. Rumor has it that he will be released in 2032, when he will be 94 years old. Despite the rich fate of both leaders, they succeeded in a significant event that took place 25 years ago and is commemorated on these dates. We should gratefully remember that historical moment in which both politicians were inspired and ended an unnecessary and destructive conflict.

Ecuador and Peru extended the validity of the Binational Development Plan for the border region until 2034.

A week after the concert in Quito, President Guillermo Lasso traveled to Lima to mark the signing of the agreement. In the busy agenda he led with his Peruvian counterpart Dino Boluarte, space was created for both heads of state to exchange

On October 26, they will visit the City Theater in Lima, where they witnessed a concert similar to the one in Quito, in which the Ecuadorian pianist Juan Castro Ortiz will especially participate.

Congratulations to those responsible for this musical approach, which celebrated the brotherhood of the two countries and highlighted multiculturalism, since the repertoire in Lima included Afro-Peruvian rhythms. (OR)