Mythical figures are born in the lives of peoples, becoming immortal through their dedicated effort and art. The treasury of the Armenian diaspora is rich with accomplished artists imbued with national values. Adiss Harmandian embodies this description. The creator of the Estradayin genre of Armenian music, Adiss was always on the road and had a mythical dimension. His contributions in the course of more than fifty years were remembered and honored on September 27, 2019, at the hall of the United Armenian College in Lebanon. The event was organized by the Hamazkayin Regional Executive Board for Lebanon and had the blessing of Archbishop Nareg Alemezian, prelate of the Armenians of Lebanon.
An instrumental piece opened the memorial program. Silva Soghomonian then spoke on behalf of the regional board. She recalled that on September 1, 2019, in California, Adiss had died. She said that he first started singing in Armenian, with a new set, in the 1960s, at a time when Turkish themes dominated in Armenian music and rock music ruled in the Western world. For more than fifty years, Adiss served as ambassador for Armenian Estradayin music. Listing his many performances in Armenian communities, she also mentioned his collaborations with the poet Hasmig Manaserian and the newly deceased Jack Kojian. Ms. Soghomonian spoke also of the volume, Adiss yergi champov (“Adiss through song”) which is very accessible and full of memories.