Xenia is the original project of Rome-based drummer Alessandra D’Alessandro, featuring Federico Pascucci on tenor sax and clarinet, Andrea Biondi on vibraphone, and Marco Zenini on electric bass.

Xenia is a musical narrative in which the bandleader—through her original compositions—weaves her own history and artistic identity with those of her fellow musicians. The result is a free, creative, and multifaceted project where jazz and radical improvisation coexist with hip-hop and punk, rock and film scores, Balkan sounds, and Roman folk songs.

This is made possible by the strong, distinct personality of each band member: Federico is one of Italy’s leading experts in Eastern and Middle Eastern music; Andrea is a first-rate orchestral musician and jazz player; Marco is a virtuoso of improvisation and avant-garde music.

Alessandra’s own musical path, meanwhile, is rooted in the records of Zappa and Coltrane, hardcore punk, the film scores of Rota and Trovajoli, Roman folk songs, and Woodstock, eventually reaching Serbian and Macedonian music. It was within Amsterdam’s vibrant improvised music and modern jazz scene that she met Marco and Federico, immediately striking up a bond defined by deep human and musical connection. Her meeting with Andrea came later, upon returning to Italy, where an instant personal and professional synergy was born.

Alessandra gathers this rich tapestry of sounds and musical identities, fusing it with her personal vision of music and composition to shape her second project as a leader: Xenia.

Despite its recent formation, the group has already performed at notable festivals and venues, such as the Garbatella Jazz Festival in Rome and NOF in Florence.