Alessio Elia was called "the rising star of a new generation” by Elena Abbado. Besides his Italian home country, Elia studied in Germany, Norway and Hungary. He has been supporting his composing activity with scientific research, which is related to different tuning systems that he labels as "polysystemism". His orchestral and chamber music works have been performed in many places and he has received commissions in Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Hungary. His Octet for wind instruments was commissioned by the wind ensemble of La Scala, Milan, and has recently been released on CD by Warner Classics.