Roxanna Walitzki's Farewell from The Rendezvous

2.2.19 | Seattle, Washington

It was a packed house in the historic Jewelbox Theater at The Rendezvous in Seattle. Ranging in age from early 20s to late 50s, everyone in attendance was transfixed by the spellbinding and deeply moving performance which might best be described as an invitation to a cathartic experience.

Onstage was Roxanna Walitzki, chief architect and solo performer, surrounded by a confluence of fashion and technology. She wore a custom headpiece she designed herself made with thin black strips that encircled her like electrons mapping the trajectory of their orbit. Her dress was custom made by local fashion studio Stone Crow Designs, with a draping red skirt attached to a black leather bodice and chrome buckle embellishments.

Behind her flicked and swirled green tendrils with a rhythm that both captured your attention and guided you deeper into the performance. During one song, a matrix of glowing green dots serenely flowed from house-left-to-right in front of a grunge-spattered nucleus. It all seamlessly came together with a harmony that was as scientific and it was organic and experiential.

The music itself, both modern and classic, undulated with surprising efficacy as it laid its foundation. A combination of classical piano and midi-controlled elements, the music was tender and warm and cinematic. At one point near the end of the evening, Roxanna picked up her electric guitar, and in a move reminiscent of Jimmy Page, began weaving a tapestry of sound with her violinists’ bow. All in service to her fully controlled mezzo-soprano, which soared with a dynamism ranging from sotto to booming.

Roxanna (center) joined onstage by her sister Redd (left).

Roxanna was joined for her final song by her sister Redd Walitzki on a glockenspiel, marking the first time they’ve performed live together. Also in attendance were their parents, Gisela and Hans Walitzki, whose visible approval took the form of beaming smiles and lavish applause.

“I don’t know where they get this from—I am a physicist,” Hans admits. As amazed as any with his daughters’ artistic inclinations, it’s clear the apple falls close to the tree. Both Roxanna and Redd approach their artistic mediums with an intelligence and precision that is informed by deep observations into science, art history and the nature of reality.

The Walitzki family (from left) Hans, Redd, Roxanna and Gisela.

The farewell concert lasted just over an hour, yet felt like mere minutes, leaving the audience wanting more of her magic. The applause after Roxanna’s final bow was thunderous. Nearly everyone rushed to the stage for an opportunity to say their final goodbyes.

And while this closes one chapter in this artist’s career, it begins another. Roxanna will continue to create new work for her European tour which begins later this spring. Both she and her sister Redd will embark upon a new phase in their evolution as artists. While we are sad to see them leave Seattle, we are immensely excited at their limitless potential and what new visions they will conjure next.

UPDATE: 3/18/19

View the concert below courtesy Roxanna Walitzki and subscribe to her channel for more updates on her European tour.

Roxanna Walitzki’s music can be found on Apple Music, Amazon, Spotify, and at her website.

Follow Roxanna on Instagram for the latest in her travels.