Elise Tashjian Diamond, Renowned Opera Singer, Passes Away
Elise Tashjian Diamond, 90, a celebrated opera singer, devoted choir director, and cherished pillar of the Armenian community, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on May 26, 2025. She was a devoted wife of 57 years, a loving mother, grandmother, aunt, Godmother, devoted friend, and colleague.
Elise Tashjian was born in Beirut, Lebanon, on January 14, 1935, to Anahid and Krikor Tashjian. She was the eldest of six children, followed by brothers Jirayr, Kevork, and Khatchig, and sisters Arpi and Lena. She attended Lycée Francais School where she excelled in all subjects, however it became obvious at a young age that her most precious gift was her voice. She performed her first operetta at the age of nine, and was later accepted to the Music Conservatory of Beirut. During this time, Elise performed throughout Lebanon and even in Jerusalem.
During one of her performances at the Conservatory, she captured the attention of famous Polish opera singer, Maria Koussevitzky, who decided to take Elise under her wing and to the United States for professional training. AGBU – the Armenian General Benevolent Union – interested in helping Elise further her education and career in America, offered her a scholarship to assist in this endeavor. In 1959, with only $50 in her pocket and not even a passport, but with Madame Koussevitzky as her personal mentor and vocal coach, Elise enrolled at the Los Angeles Conservatory of Music which later merged with an art school to become the California Institute of the Arts in Santa Clarita, CA. While in attendance, Elise studied music and vocal performance, even learning to sing in seven different languages. Elise ultimately earned both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in music in just three years. She was the first ever female graduate in her field at CalArts.
During her time in school, Elise’s brother orchestrated a blind date for Elise with a young man named Krikor Jevardian, also known as Greg Diamond – a name he chose for himself after being encouraged to change his name in the Army during the Korean War. It was love at first sight. Greg patiently courted Elise and in less than a year they were married on May 12, 1962, in Los Angeles. Greg and Elise had their first daughter Annamaria in 1967, and their second daughter Lorig, in 1975.
In addition to earning two degrees at Cal Arts, Elise was awarded the American Guild of Musical Artists Award. This was a tremendous honor, given it was the first time this was bestowed upon a non-American student. After graduation, Greg encouraged – more like challenged – Elise to attend a traditional school to further her education. She accepted the challenge with one caveat: that he would pay for it. Greg accepted, and Elise applied for and gained admittance to the University of Southern California School of Music, where she continued her studies and earned her second Master’s degree in Opera.
In 1969, Elise was invited to perform in Yerevan, Armenia, at the Gomidas 100th Anniversary Celebration. She had the honor of traveling and performing with legendary composer and conductor Aram Khachaturian. The recording of this performance captured a roaring audience at the end of each piece. It was one of the most celebrated, revered, and memorable performances ever to be held in Armenia. Ten years later, Elise was invited back to Armenia to perform a classical program. Subsequently, she was asked to train some of the top singers in Armenia.
Through her association with USC and as an alumni, Elise Diamond was thrilled to be invited to perform at the International Music Festival in Johannesburg, South Africa, to represent the United States. Accompanied by pianist Vatche Mankerian, and dear friend Rose Ketchoian, Elise performed for ten consecutive days, three times a day. It was one of the proudest memories of her life, complete with safari tours and cultural experiences.
Upon returning to the United States, Elise received invitations to perform all over the country and in Canada. With each invitation, she always requested to sing in churches. Elise said to herself, “God gave me this voice. If I perform, I want it to be in the house of the Lord. God gave it to me, and I have to offer it back to God.” She was later invited to compete in the Metropolitan Opera Scholarship Competition, held in La Jolla, CA, where she earned first place. Elise’s unwavering faith is evident in her belief that God had His hand in every opportunity and performance. She believed He gave her the strength and confidence to perform at the highest level. At this point of her career, she received the honor of being invited to direct the choir at St. Sarkis Armenian Church, where she learned all of the songs of the Armenian Divine Liturgy. Shortly thereafter, she was invited to transfer to St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena, where she served as choir director for 40 years.
During her celebrated career, Elise held leadership positions and was President in multiple organizations including The Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU), Pasadena Chapter, Ladies Auxiliary, USC Friends of Armenian Music, and The Armenian Allied Arts Association. She also sang the full opera, Anoush, at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium to a packed house. She taught vocal music to multiple students. Awards and recognitions she received include Outstanding Achievement awards and the most prestigious Gontag, or Pastoral Letter, recognition from the Catholicos of all Armenians in Etchmiadzin, Armenia.
Elise is preceded in death by her husband Greg Diamond, her brother Kevork Tashjian and sister Arpi Barsam. She is survived by her two daughters, Annamaria Whitaker and Lorig Touloumian; their husbands, Troy Whitaker and David Touloumian; her grandchildren Dylan and Olivia Whitaker, and Andre and Luke Touloumian; her brothers The Very Reverend Father Jirayr Tashjian and Khatchig Tashjian, her sister Lena Beylerian, her brothers-in-law Robert Barsam and Nurel Beylerian; sisters-in-law Shoghig Tashjian and Hilda Tashjian. Elise was the proud matriarch of her large extended family, and especially proud of her 8 nieces, 7 nephews, 14 grandnieces, and 10 grandnephews.
Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 3 pm, at Forest Lawn Hollywood Hills, Church of The Hills (White Church). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation to St. Gregory Armenian Church in Pasadena, and/or the Pasadena Educational Foundation, where a scholarship will be created in Elise’s name.
