At the Kazakh National Opera and Ballet Theater named after Abay, Irina Serkebaeva presented the second, expanded edition of the book "Ermek Serkebayev: Life, Youth, and Happiness. New Pages," dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the outstanding singer's birth.
The author has expanded the book with new materials about the life and work of the outstanding opera singer, People's Artist of the USSR and Kazakhstan, Ermek Serkebayev. The first edition was published in 2009.
The updated version includes new sections dedicated to the artist's era, chamber music, Kazakh folk songs, and his teachers. The singer's discography is also presented.
The book was prepared based on the personal archives and memoirs of the Serkebayev, Korganov-Shamaro, and Bruckner families. During the preparation of the new edition, the biographies of the singer's teachers were additionally researched. During the presentation, Irina Serkebaeva presented unique photographs, audio, and video materials from her personal and family archives. They span various periods of Ermek Serkebayev's life—from childhood and adolescence to the formation and flourishing of his artistic career.
Memories of the outstanding singer were shared by his contemporaries, colleagues, and students. The theater's artists presented a musical program. People's Artist of Kazakhstan Shakhimardan Abilov and Honored Worker of the Republic of Kazakhstan Zhamilya Serkebayeva also participated.