Enzo Restagno, a music critic and historian, studied music and philosophy in Turin and Vienna. He taught music history at the Giuseppe Verdi Conservatory in Turin for 37 years. Restagno has written for leading newspapers and magazines, including Stampa Sera, La Repubblica, Le Monde de la Musique, Die Zeit, and L’Espresso. He has also produced radio and television programs for RAI, Radio France, Westdeutsche Rundfunk, and the BBC, in addition to giving masterclasses and lectures across Europe, the United States, and Asia.

As a scholar, Restagno has focused on modern and contemporary music, fields in which he is considered one of the most prominent specialists internationally. In recognition of his expertise, Edizioni Ricordi in Milan appointed him artistic consultant for contemporary music publications. Restagno is also highly active in musical organization: he founded the MiTo festival and has been one of the most respected artistic directors for several decades.