Diego Carneiro founded the Orquesta Joven del Ecuador (OJE) in 2016, shortly after a major earthquake devastated the capital Quito. Since then, the OJE has become a musical home for refugees from Venezuela and other South American countries, allowing them to continue the music education that was begun in their home countries.

To date, the OJE has given more than 1,000 performances, has made 4 international tours to 7 countries, and has won 3 international competitions. Maestro Carneiro has been using his recent cello performances as a vehicle to raise awareness of, and garner financial support for, the OJE.