The Astana Times provides news and information from Kazakhstan and around the world. ASTANA – Kazakhstan is marking the 100th anniversary of Yermek Serkebayev on July 4, one of the country’s most celebrated opera singers and a towering figure in national musical culture. A lyrical baritone, educator and People’s Artist, Serkebayev played a defining role in shaping Kazakh opera and vocal performance in the 20th century.